Now is the perfect time to build a birdhouse!

By building a birdhouse, you give birds shelter from predators and a place to nest, and you can enjoy the song of different bird species that will gladly come to your garden.

Although many bird species are able to hide their nests in dense canopies or shrubs, many require holes for nesting. Some birds, like the woodpecker, can dig their own cavities on dead or decaying trees. Others depend on abandoned nesting holes formed by fallen branches. However, increased deforestation and the removal of damaged and dead trees have left many birds who nest in holes with fewer natural places to raise their young. Besides helping the birds find a new nest by building a birdhouse, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy tracking the birds that will come to your garden. Bought birdhouses can be pretty expensive, and building one at home is actually quite simple. Even your kids can enjoy the activity! You don’t need a lot of materials, and it would be even better if you used old boards that may have been forgotten in your shed or workshop to build them. If you maintain the birdhouse, it can serve you for many years to come.

The ideal time to build a nesting birdhouse is before March, and it will mostly house tits, sparrows and the common redstart. It’s important to fasten the roof well in order to prevent other animals, such as cats, from harming the birds.

Necessary material: 

  • 1 rear wall, 38 cm long
  • 2 side walls, 22×26 cm long
  • 1 roof, 18 cm long, or a little bit longer so that water can drain away
  • 1 front panel, 23 cm long, with an entry hole of ø32 mm
  • 1 base board, 12 cm long
  • 1 support,
  • Wood glue
  • Nails
  • Screws
  • Colorless liquid impregnation coating

Procedure:

  • Draw the sizes on the board and saw the parts according to the appropriate size
  • Sand the edges with sandpaper
  • Drill an entry hole 18 cm from the bottom of the front board using a 32 mm hole saw.
  • Mount the sides to the rear wall using waterproof wood glue and nails or screws. Pre-drill holes to prevent wood chipping. Then drill mounting holes for the birdhouse.
  • Attach the front panel of the birdhouse to the sides using waterproof wood glue and nails or screws.
  • Sand the rear roof panel at a 20-degree angle. This will ensure that the roof sits better on the rear wall.
  • If desired, you can place hinges on the back of the roof. You can also place additional boards under the roof. It should be 5 mm smaller than the internal sizes of the walls and facade.
  • Drill a few 10 mm holes under the house to allow drainage.  As an alternative to a round entrance, you can make the front panel lower as well. The advantage of this is that it allows the birdhouse to be used by different species.
  • Coat the birdhouse with a colorless liquid impregnation coating that protects the wood from biological pests, blue stains, fungi and insects. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Did you know that a recent study by German scientists found that the happiness of Europeans is linked to the abundance of different bird species? They claim that the happiest Europeans are the ones who can experience many different species of birds in their garden every day or live near natural green areas where birds live. Not only will you be helping birds find a home for their young by building a birdhouse, but their visits have been proven to brighten your day!

Author: GREEN.HR