Considerations for Bird House Plans
Whether for attracting birds, for mark and recapture tracking or just for the love of woodworking, a bird house is an extremely popular choice for a first project. Also known as a nesting box, bird house design and size is limited only by your imagination. For those who are just starting out in woodworking you may prefer to consult woodworking plans to guide you on your way.
As you scan through the available projects, you will probably notice that most bird house plans have a similar design. A square or rectangular base, a sloping roof and hinged access point either in the top, sides or front. The size of the bird house that you choose should be driven either by the type of bird you are attempting to attract or the birds that frequent your area. A general rule is if you are trying to attract small birds then a smaller bird house is preferable. If it is larger species you are after then the size of the house will increase. Before searching for your bird house plans, ensure that you have done a small amount of research on the bird life that frequent your area.
It is quite important that the bird house plans you choose allow for a hinged access point to the interior. As a minimum you will require access to clean the inside following nesting season to remove the old nest material and any parasites that may be present. If you wish to use the bird house longer than one season, this step will have to be completed. If you are using the bird house for bird ringing or if it is for a domesticated species that you are breeding, you will also require access to the birds or their young.
The final positioning of your bird house will have to be considered seriously. To alleviate the problems of poor climate, predators and illness you should ensure the following:
Choose bird house plans that have ventilation holes to circulate fresh air and don't allow the box to become too hot.
Position the opening away from direct sunlight or strong winds.
Angle the birdhouse so that rain will not enter openings or, place it under an eave.
Don't use perches, birds don't need them but predators can use them.
Make the opening in the bird house the size for the species you are after. If it is too large then predators may get access.
Position it away from brush but close to plants.
Choose colours that blend with the bird house's surrounds.
Use environmentally safe paints and stains.
Sanitize you bird house after you have cleaned it.
Finally, ensure that your selected bird house plans are going to be suitable to the area you are going to place your completed project.
Your bird house plan can be as simple or as detailed as you want to attempt. Dependant on the species you want to attract, take these following factors into account:
Entrance size,
Interior depth and dimensions,
Shape and design,
Materials required, and
Positioning.
By following these few simple guidelines your bird house should be attracting birds for years to come. To help you to complete your project, ensure that you only use easy to follow, step by step bird house plans that will guide you through every aspect of the project from collecting materials to its final finish.
Although it can be daunting, woodworking will provide you with years of enjoyment if you persevere and hone your skills. To take the headache out of your initial and future projects, ensure you get hold of detailed, step by step woodworking plans.
For the novice and professional alike, expensive and costly mistakes will be avoided by using wood plans that cover every aspect of your chosen project.
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