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The Shade Tree Advisory Committee needs to raise funds to plant trees in Highland Park. Your work in building a birdhouse to sell at the Street Fair will be invaluable. Birdhouses might also be used in some of our open spaces. The following is a short list of helpful material.
Recommended Sizes:
One of the easiest birds to attract and house is the wren. We recommend that birdhouses be built appropriately
for this bird. The general dimensions are as follows, in inches ("), but doesn't limit the endless
variety of shapes that can fit these guidelines.
Entrance Hole Diameter: 1"-1 ¼"
Height of hole above floor: 6"-7"
Inside floor dimensions: 4"x4" to 5"x5"
Total height of box: 9"-12"
If you are interested in building for a different bird species, there are several good references at the Highland Park Library, particularly the Stokes Birdhouse Book. See also http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/tools/ndblinds/ndblinds.htm
Materials:
Wood and sealant or paint are the primary materials of a birdhouse. A variety of hardware can be used to put
it all together. Keep in mind that at least one side or roof piece should be easily removable via hinges
or screws so that the birdhouse can be cleaned.
Wood:
As the birdhouses are intended to be functional, using a wood that lasts outdoors is preferred. Cedar,
redwood, and exterior-grade plywood are the best. Other whole woods will also work, as will lower grades of plywood.
Please avoid using particleboard, pressed wood, or other similar materials as they will quickly deteriorate. We
encourage the use of leftover or salvaged wood. If there is enough interest, we may seek out salvaged wood to
provide for the birdhouse builders.
Paint:
The first rule of painting a birdhouse is - don't paint or seal the inside. Beyond that, you may paint with
exterior latex, milk paint, or a variety of wood sealers. Avoid interior paints as these will
quickly peel. Naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar or redwood can be left untreated.
Appearance:
Styles and varieties of birdhouses are endless. We recommend that you have fun. Be as creative as you want
to, or create a simple functional box. The Highland Park Library has several books available that can provide
guidance or inspiration.
Birdhouses made by 4H were first displayed at the Shade Tree Advisory Committee table at the April 2003 Street Fair. Proceeds of their sale went to a reserve fund for plantings in public open space. If you would like to participate in future birdhouse projects, either as an individual or as a group, click "Contact Us!" at the bottom of this page.