Make a Birdhouse
Birds don't really live in birdhouses, but some kinds of birds will use them for nesting. These are birds that normally raise their chicks in hollow trees, but hollow trees are not as easy to find anymore.
These plans are for a Bluebird box, which may also be used by Tree Swallows, Chickadees, Titmice, and Wrens. Ask an adult to help you with the measuring and sawing.
Materials:
- Standard board 1" x 6" x 4' long
- Standard Board 1" x 10" x 10 1/2" long (for roof)
- 1-3/4" galvanized nails or screws -- approx. 20
- 1-3/4" galvanized screw or nail for pivot point -- 2
- Double-headed nail for holding door closed -- 1
Cut the long board like this to make the pieces:
You will end up with these parts:
Cut off the floor corners, so water can drain out. Make the door hole as close as you can to 1-1/2 inches in diameter; this will let Bluebirds in, but keep out House Sparrows and Starlings (which are invasive species).
Put your birdhouse together with nails or screws. It should look like this:
When you assemble the sides, leave 1/4" at the top for ventilation. One side should swing open so you can clean it out after the chicks fly away. Mount the birdhouse on a post in a grassy area, not on a tree. For lots more information about Bluebirds, visit the North American Bluebird Society