Bluebirds are one of the most beautiful native species in the US, and their courting and nesting behaviors are fascinating to watch. To attract bluebirds to nest in your yard, a particular style of birdhouse is necessary. Here are instructions for how to build a bluebird house. Building a Bluebird House Materials: Saw (sliding compound miter saw, power saw or hand-saw)
1x6 pine or cedar board, 48 inches long
Cordless drill
3/8-inch and 1/8-inch drill bits
1-1/2 inch hole-saw bit
Hammer
1-1/2" Cement Coated Nails
Sandpaper
Clamps or vise
Ruler
Pencil
Safety glasses
Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when cutting wood and working with saws, drills or any power tools.
Steps: - Measure and mark two 8 inch pieces from the 1x6 stock to make one of the side pieces and the front (figure A).
- Measure and mark the second side piece to a length 7-7/8 inches. The slightly shorter length on this side will allow room for the side to pivot.
- Measure and mark a 8-1/4 inch piece to make the roof.
- Measure and mark a 4-inch piece to make the floor.
- Measure and mark the remaining piece to a length of 11 inches to make the back.
- Once you've marked the 1x6 stock, make your cuts using a compound miter saw ( figure B) or hand saw.
- Drill four 3/8-inch holes into the floor piece of your birdhouse for drainage.
- Drill two 3/8-inch holes at the tops of two of your side pieces for ventilation (figure C).
- Using the hole-saw (figure D), drill a 1-1/2-inch hole in the front piece for the entrance. Center the hole about two inches from the top.
- When drilling, it helps to clamp the wood for stability (figure E).
- Once you've made your entrance hole, you may need to sand the rough edges.
- Align your floor piece and your 8-inch side piece as shown, and pre-drill your holes. Pre-drilling will help prevent splitting.
- Nail the floor piece to the back piece, then nail the on the longer side piece (figure F).
- Now align and attach the front with nails (figure G).
- When attaching your last (shorter) side, use only one nail on either side -- at equal height on each side -- and leave about 1/8-inch clearance from the top. This will allow the bottom of this side to pivot up and out (figure H), giving you access to clean your house.
- Finally, attach the roof (figure I) by nailing it to the stationary side, back and front. Do not nail the roof to the pivoting side as it will need to remain hinged for opening.
Note: Before nailing the roof on, test your pivot to make sure there is enough room between the top and side to allow the range of motion needed. If not, you can take a piece of sandpaper and sand down the top outside edge of your pivoting side piece. - Now that you've attached your roof, and you know your pivot works, drill a hole using a 1/8-inch bit (bigger than nail) from the front into the pivoting side, near the bottom (figure J). You can then slide a nail in and out to lock your pivoting side closed.
- The completed birdhouse (figure K) can be mounted with a nail or other fastener centered about 1/2-inch from the top on the back side.
RESOURCES :
Stokes Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds (A Stokes Backyard Nature Book)
Model: 0316817457
Author: Donald Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Don and Lillian Stokes' website
Stokes Birds at Home
Website: www.stokesbirdsathome.com
Stokes Birdhouse Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Nesting Birds
Model: 0316817147
Author: Donald W. Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
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