Page:How to Have Bird Neighbors.pdf/144

 DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING BIRD HOUSES

The figures given below are based on 1/2" lumber, except the backs of wren and bluebird houses and the base and roof of martin house, which should be 7/8" thick.

Back   Sides    Front      Floor      Roof     Entrance    Air Hole

Bluebird  4" × 10"   5" × 7"    4" × 5"    4" × 5-1/2"    5" × 8"    1-1/2" dia.    1/2" dia. house                          and 7"                 4-1/2" × 8"      in            in                                                            gable       middle        peak of                                                                        front          gable

Wren      4" × 14"   5" × 7"     4" × 7"   3-1/2" × 4"    7" × 8"  1-1/8" dia.    1/2" dia. house              and 12"                              sloping      5"             in                                                                      above           each floor          peak

For picture of bluebird house, see inside back cover; for picture of wren house, see page 39. The sides of both houses are nailed to the edges of the back in such a way as to let the back project below, about one inch.

In the bluebird house, the upper edges of the sides should be beveled to fit the slope of the roof. The front of this house is hinged upon a one-inch brad driven in, on each side, a half-inch above the lower corner. To enable the front to swing downward, as shown on page 116, the floor must be fastened in place three-fourths of an inch above the lower edge of the sides. Before nailing on the roof, see that the front swings easily. Bore half-inch holes in the projecting back below and above, for wire to run through to strap the house in place. Add a perch of doweling a half inch below the entrance. See figure on inside back cover.

The wren house is also provided with a swinging front, hinged like that of the bluebird house, but with the brads placed one inch from the upper corners so that it opens up instead of down. This is shown on page 116. The upper part of the back of wren house is planed flush with the sloping sides, and the roof is planed flush with the back. The air holes on each side will also serve for wire