An excellent reference book for all birders simply explains the step-by-step process of building birdhouses and nest boxes using the best possible plans – plus so much more. Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses is well-illustrated with photographs and simple "how-to directions," There are 3 major sections to the book: 1) Providing information about a variety of cavity nesting bird species, which includes colorful photos, detailed range maps, nesting facts, and a glossary; 2) Woodworking checklists, photo-illustrated lists of the tools and materials to use with safety tips; and 3) The birdhouse section provides photo-illustrated woodworking plans with clear instructions, patterns, and suggested types of wood to use.
This book is geared for anyone interested in birds, especially cavity nesting birds, and it will become an essential part of your birding library. There are 88 species of cavity nesting birds in North America, and providing nest boxes is essential to their conservation and well-being as individual species. Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses is authored by birder and educator Mel Toellner and professional woodworker Matt Maguire, who provide a holistic approach to building and installing birdhouses. And even if you don't intend to build your own birdhouse, this helpful book will provide a wealth of information for you to use if you buy a nest box or already have a next box in your yard.
Although birdhouses are popular, many are designed with aesthetics in mind rather than a given bird species' requirements and preferences. Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses will help anyone provide the right birdhouse for the birds you are trying to attract. The authors provide step-by-step instructions for each of 15-plus projects to create bird-safe birdhouses, including nest boxes for bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, owls, purple martins, and more.
In addition, this book provides birdhouse mounting instructions that will help protect the birds from predators. It also provides easy-to-follow information about how you can landscape backyard habitats that will attract and benefit birds, along with suggestions for how children can participate. Additional sections that provide species information, range maps, safety tips, and info about how you can attract cavity nesting birds to your yard are also helpful and interesting.
One birder and woodworker wrote: "Building or even purchasing the correct birdhouse is just the first step in attracting birds to your yard. What about placement, improving nearby habitat, birdhouse maintenance, or even use by birds during the winter? The authors answer all these questions and more in just one book!"
Cavity nesting birds are captivating, and this extensive guide to crafting birdhouses and nest boxes will surely elevate your enthusiasm for a new do-it-yourself project. To learn more about Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses, refer to Fox Chapel Publishing Company at Making Bird-Friendly Birdhouses – Fox Chapel Publishing Co.