Building Birdhouses

If you love wildlife, you probably have birdhouses somewhere in your yard.
Man-made birdhouses can be a boon to wildlife -- for instance, eastern bluebirds became an endangered species decades ago as our land became deforested and also as cedar fence posts around farmlands were replaced with metal fencing. Bluebirds like to nest in vertical, hollowed-out wood along
the edge of an open area, and old wooden fence posts were ideal for their purpose. When conservationists realized the reason for bluebirds' decline, a movement was started to build birdhouses and place them at appropriate heights around fields and open areas. As a result, the number of these beneficial birds has rebounded in recent years.

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Not all birdhouses are appropriate, however; some decorative birdhouses can actually harm birds, whether it is overheating due to metal roofs or dark colors, toxic wood treatments, or construction that is not predator-proof. Do research before you build or buy birdhouses -- there are many books and online
sources that offer guidelines for building sturdy, weather-proof, predator-proof birdhouses in various dimensions to accommodate different species.

Basic birdhouse designs
Bird Watching designing birdhouses
Free Birdhouse Plans