The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a member of the Turdidae family (Turdidae). It is larger than a sparrow, but smaller than a blue jay. It is found in an area ranging from Canada to the Gulf States and the eastern part of the Rocky Mountains. With a cedar tablet and some basic power tools, it's easy to build a home for this beautiful bird, thus providing it with a place to stay in your yard.
Steps
Step 1. Get a blueprint
Many are available online, but the design used in this article was created by the staff of the Missouri Department of Conservation and is known for attracting bluebirds.
Step 2. Get the necessary materials
In this project, with an old cedar tablet 2.4 meters long, 29.2 cm wide and 1.9 cm thick, it is possible to build three birdhouses. In addition, 10 self-tapping screws will be needed. A single house can be created with a tablet measuring 2.5cm x 15cm x 30.5cm.
Step 3. Get the required tools
For this project you will need a circular saw, 2 drills, a square, a pencil and a hand drill.
Step 4. Mark the references shown in the project on the tablet and cut it to obtain the exact dimensions
This tablet was cut into a 14cm wide piece and a 10cm wide piece. The front and rear parts are 14cm x 25cm and 42cm respectively. The side parts are 10 cm wide. The shorter side measures 24.7 cm, the longer side measures 27 cm. The base section measures 10cm x 10cm. The top is 16.5cm long and 15cm wide (to create a small ledge to block the rain). The latter measure is slightly different from that of the project reported here. The size of the front and sides will leave some room for ventilation under the roof once the house is assembled.
Step 5. If your measurements are correct, you will end up with the parts needed for three houses
Step 6. Drill a hole 3.81 cm in diameter with the drill, 5.81 cm away from the top of the front piece
You can use a hole saw, a crown saw, or an adjustable bit. It is easier to do this before assembly. For best results, drill the hole about three-quarters, then turn the tablet over and finish the hole on the opposite side. Some may find it boring. NOTE: Roughen the inside and outside of the front so the birds can leave the nest easily and the mom can land on the front of the house without any problems. You can use a knife, nail or chisel.
Step 7. Cut the corners of the base (for drainage)
Additional cuts may be required at the base to ensure that it fits snugly with the assembled house. The base is inserted approximately 6, 35 mm from the bottom of the side parts. It is recessed to create a gutter.
Step 8. Assemble the parts
Drill holes with a "screwdriver bit" which also creates the countersink for the screw head. Use self-tapping screws. Four in front, four behind and two to fix the base.
Step 9. Add a small strip to stop one side of the roof and prevent rain from entering
Step 10. Make a hole in the roof and front
Insert a nail or screw that can be removed to clean the house after nesting.
Step 11. Set up the house 1, 2 - 1, 8 meters above the ground, in an open space, in front of a tree (3.5 to 4.5 meters away)
Step 12. Wait for nature to take its course
Advice
- Bluebirds are special. The size of the hole and the location are decisive.
- Measure twice, cut once. Double checking the structure can save you some material.
- The most beautiful house in the world will not attract birds if it is not placed properly. Place the house 1.2-1.8 meters above the ground in an open space. If it is facing a tree, the birds will have a safer target for their first flight from the house.
- A light-reflecting aluminum foil can be wrapped around the pole. This is to prevent snakes and other predators from reaching the nest. See the image at the top of the page.
- Consider an alternative location if the birds have not nested during the first season.
- Clean the old nest after the first brood and the birds may nest two or three times in a season.
- Be creative! Paint the house in bright colors or your favorite design. Also use prints and stencils.
Warnings
- Wear safety glasses while cutting wood.
- Keep children and animals away while you build the playhouse. The only exception is for an interested child who has promised to sit quietly and watch.
- Proceed with caution when handling power tools.
