Even Bluebirds Get the Blues

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When the base piece is secured in place, the roof can be attached — at which point it'll be time to add the front panel. In my design (shown above) the front can be swung open on the two upper nails (they serve as hinges). So when positioning the door, you'll have to leave a gap between its top and the roof to insure that the portal won't bind when you try to pivot it up. I secure the door in its closed position simply by drilling angled holes through the lower edges of each side and into the bottom of the front section. I can then slip largeheaded nails into each hole, keeping the door closed and, at the same time, giving the impression that the box is permanently fastened shut — which helps prevent human passers-by from disturbing the feathered tenants.

Once you've assembled the home, go on to drill four 1/4-inch-diameter holes along a line drawn parallel to and one inch below each side's roof overhang. These openings will provide ventilation without allowing too much draft. Then go on to bore five 1/4-inch-diameter holes in the floor (one in each comer and another in the center) to provide emergency drainage in the unlikely event that water gets into the cavity. (While I've got my drill handy, I usually go on to bore some 1/8-inch holes in the back panel to use if I later decide to wire the box to a steel post.)

Some people will want to paint the birdhouse (or even cover it with bark-sided sawmill slabs), and — while an unpainted structure will look more natural — it's likely that a coat of latex will increase the life span of the dwelling. However, if you decide to add color to the exterior of your bluebird box, stick to dull tones of light green, gray or tan — and don't paint the inside of the home.

A Site for Soar Eyes

You may well be surprised to learn that the design of a bluebird house — no matter how exacting it may seem — is no more critical than is the placement of the box. These creatures prefer homesites that are free of heavy vegetation (allowing the feathered hunters to hop along the ground in search of insects) and that include scattered "observation post" trees. Golf courses and large country cemeteries are near-optimum bluebird habitats. Orchards, big yards, and sunlit fence rows will also likely provide all of the necessary amenities.

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