Beginning Plan

Hey there, fellow bird lovers! You know how much I adore watching birds flitting around my backyard, especially when they're busy building their nests. It's such a delightful sight. But sometimes, I just wish they'd build their little homes a bit closer to my windows so I could get a better peek at their busy lives. That's why I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a birdhouse!

And you know what? It was easier than I thought! So, if you're itching to build a cozy home for feathered friends in your own backyard, let's get started!

Gather your materials:

This project is super easy because you don't need fancy tools or a whole bunch of materials. We're going for a simple, classic design. Here's what you'll need:

Wood: Choose a type that's weather-resistant, like cedar, redwood, or pine. You'll need a piece about 6 inches wide and 12 inches long for the base. For the sides, get two pieces that are about 6 inches wide and 8 inches long. And for the roof, you'll need two pieces about 6 inches wide and 8 inches long (we're going for a simple, gable roof, see?).
Screws: Get some 1-inch screws, about 15-20 should do the trick.
Wood glue: This will help hold everything together.
Paint or stain (optional): If you want to make your birdhouse a little more stylish, you can add a coat of paint or stain. Think about the color of your house and the types of birds you want to attract. Bright colors might deter some birds, but others might love them!
Measuring tape: You'll need this to make sure everything is cut to size.
Saw: You'll need a saw to cut the wood to size. A handsaw will work just fine, but a circular saw will make the job a little faster.
Drill: A drill will make it easier to drive in those screws, but if you don't have one, you can use a screwdriver.
Pencil: For marking your wood.
Safety glasses: Always wear these when working with wood and tools.

Now, let's get building!

1. Cutting the Wood:

First things first, measure and cut your wood to size.

Base: Cut the 6-inch by 12-inch piece of wood to be your base. This is the bottom of the birdhouse.
Sides: Cut the two 6-inch by 8-inch pieces of wood to be the sides of the birdhouse.
Roof: Cut the two 6-inch by 8-inch pieces of wood to be the roof.

2. Assembling the Birdhouse:

Sides to Base: Now, let's start putting the birdhouse together. Take one of the side pieces and attach it to the base using screws and wood glue. Repeat this step with the other side. Make sure the sides are flush with the base.
Roof: Now for the roof! Take one of the roof pieces and attach it to the top of the birdhouse, using screws and wood glue. Make sure the roof is angled slightly to shed rain. Repeat this step with the other roof piece.

3. Making the Entrance:

Size: You'll need to make a hole in the front of the birdhouse for the birds to enter. For most common backyard birds, a hole about 1 1/2 inches in diameter should work perfectly.
Location: Make sure the hole is about 6 inches from the bottom of the birdhouse.
Cutting: Use a drill bit to start the hole. Then, carefully use your saw to enlarge it to the desired size.

4. Adding Finishing Touches:

Landing Perch: You can create a little landing perch for the birds by attaching a small piece of wood just below the entrance hole. This will help them get a good grip as they enter the house.
Ventilation: Add a couple of small holes on the opposite side of the entrance hole to allow for ventilation. This will help prevent moisture buildup inside the birdhouse.
Paint or Stain: If you want to add a coat of paint or stain, do it now! Let the paint or stain dry completely before installing your birdhouse.

5. Installing your Birdhouse:

Location: Choose a location in your backyard that's out of direct sunlight and away from heavy wind. A spot with a little shade is ideal.
Height: Hang the birdhouse about 5-6 feet off the ground. You can use a sturdy hook or wire to hang it from a tree branch or a post.
Safety: Make sure the birdhouse is securely fastened so it won't fall down.

Tips for Success:

Consider your local birds: Do some research on the types of birds that live in your area and choose a birdhouse size and entrance hole that's suitable for them.
Clean the birdhouse regularly: To keep your birdhouse clean and inviting, remove any nesting material after the birds have fledged. You can also use a birdhouse cleaner or a simple mixture of water and vinegar.
Provide water: Offer a birdbath or a shallow dish of water near the birdhouse. Birds need water for drinking and bathing.
Patience: It may take some time for birds to discover your new birdhouse, so be patient and don't be discouraged if you don't see any birds right away.

Enjoy Your New Birdhouse!

And there you have it! Your very own DIY birdhouse! Now you can enjoy watching your feathered friends build their families and raise their young in the comfort of your backyard. It's such a rewarding experience, seeing these tiny creatures thrive in a home you built with your own hands. And who knows, maybe they'll even start singing you a little thank-you song!

Remember, building a birdhouse is just the beginning of your journey into the wonderful world of backyard birding. There's so much more to learn and explore! So, go out there, build your own birdhouse, and see what feathered wonders you can attract to your backyard!