There is a lot to learn from birds. Watching birds is great. Birds are not meant to be in cages nor sold as pets. Birds are supposed to be free. If you stop to see them fly, sing and feed you will sure be amazed. Bird houses allow people to interact with birds in a respectful way. Respecting the birds and their environment. Providing food and shelter. Helping those birds who are endangered, or just learning from their flights and way of life. Bird houses can be built by anyone who is interested in birds. They are easy and fun to build. This guide will help you get through the information on bird houses and avoid paying for a project that is supposed to be free, fun and environmental friendly.
About Bird Houses: Anyone can buy a bird house and hang it on a tree. Few people will take the time to build a bird house himself. When making bird houses be sure that the wood you are using is not taken from irresponsible lumbering.
Every bird needs a specific type of bird house. For example, Blue Birds do not use the same bird houses as Owls. Know what type of birds live in your area. Bird houses and bird feeders will attract birds if they are done correctly.
To start it is best to make bird houses for small birds. Large birds are birds of prey. Birds of prey can modify the habitat.
Step One: Observe the area you want your bird house to be in. The area is called habitat. What type of birds do you see? Can you identify them? Look them up in books or online. Learn all you can from them.
Step Two: There are a lot of different bird house plans. Do not buy a plan if you are just starting. You can get free plans online from environmentalist groups such as the EPA web site. Find free Bird House plans from EPA at www.epa.gov/glnpo/greenacres/wildones/handbk/wo26bird.html. This site has information on how to make the bird house for the kind of bird you want to attract. There are thousands of free plans out there. EPA plans are simple and easy to follow. They are free and can be downloaded instantly. Different bird house and bird feeder plans are available for you to choose from. A more detailed layout of a similar design can be found at www.mybackyardplans.com/bluebirdhouseplans.php. Remember, real bird houses are for birds not for decoration.
Step three: Get your materials. You will need wood. You can use cedar or other type of wood. You will need a saw, a hammer, nails, a pencil, square and patience. If you are underage, you can get someone to help you cut the wood. You can also ask for the man at the store to cut it for you. Children should not handle saws and tools alone. Get someone to help you. Bird house making is a great activity to share with someone.
About the wood: The best wood to use is cedar. It does not require painting, nor treatment. It will resist water, wind and other conditions for years.
Tips: Make sure you leave an open end. Birds will nest and the bird house will need to be cleaned out from time to time. If you are going to make a bird feeder, make sure you are feeding birds the right seeds. Buy a book on birds and bird house plans if you are interested. You can make new designs if you learn about bird habits. Be careful when hanging your bird house. Do not tie the bird house too tight to a branch. Branches need space to grow.
Making a bird house is supposed to be fun and an activity to share. There are many ways to decorate bird houses. However, birds are mostly interested in the entrance, doors, windows, space and location. Birds will also be more fond of certain type of wood. Bird feeders can be installed near or inside the bird houses. Bird feeders are basically places to store seeds which birds like to eat. Birds will return over and over if the seeds are the kind they like. Don’t over feed birds. Humming birds for example feed on nectar from flowers, so Humming bird feeders are kind of strange.
Take up this project with dedication and responsibility. You will soon find a new bird friend that flies in and out of your garden.
