A Guide to Bird House Plans
24 May 2010
A simple project for bird lovers that they can put in their backyard to enjoy bird watching is a bird house. Often people will build more than one type of bird house so that different species of birds will be attracted to nest in the yard. There are many free bird house plans that can be obtained from different bird society websites, as well as different nature lover sites and magazines.
These bird house plans usually have step by step instructions for making a particular kind of bird house. There are some birds that use other bird's nests for their own, so these birds are in particular need of bird houses since it makes it easier for them to find a place for their own nests. Bluebirds are one of these species and their population has been dying out, since it is becoming harder for them to find a home in the growing suburban sprawl. Some are decorative bird house plans, which allow more skilled builders to add style to their bird house.
Materials
Because each species has its own needs and requirements for living, many bird house plans will be specifically designed for that species only. Plans for two different species could overlap a bit, meaning you might be able to use a plan designed for several species of small birds, while also being able to use a plan designed for several species of larger birds.
The wood for the bird houses should be something that will naturally deter insects from getting into it, such as cedar. This will result in birds finding the house more attractive since they know insects will not be a disturbance. Wooden bird house plans
Placement
Other instructions included in a plan could include how to attach or place one on the top of a pole or post. This is designed so that predators are not as easily able to get into the bird house. Some of the predators include raccoons, squirrels, and cats. They will often climb a tree to get into the bird house, where they will proceed to eat the eggs that are inside.
However, when it's placed on top of a pole, predators a much less likely to be able to get to the eggs or young birds. In addition, the bird house plans will also say how high to mount the bird house so that other predators cannot get in, while still being accessed by the person to see the development in the nest.
Bird house plans might also include the ability to open the front of the house to view the nestlings and the nesting process from beginning to end. The front of some houses are able to open on a hinge while having a clear plastic interior to leave the nest undisturbed but still allowing people to see inside.
See Also: Bird house building plans