BIRD HOUSES

Southland Times, Issue 23664, 12 November 1938, Page 8 (Supplement)

BIRD HOUSES

Fig. A shows a bird house made from the trunk of a tree, sawn off to a slope at the top and hollowed out as in Fig. B. The hollowing out can be done with a redhot iron or with gouges. The top is nailed on and suitable fastenings are fixed at the back. The house shown in Fig. C is made to a con-

venient size from wood about fin thick, and fitted with two compartments. The parts are nailed together. A simple house is shown in detail at D, made of thick wood and given plenty of overhang to the roof. Suitable inside dimensions for this model would be Bin by 4in floor space, and 3in up to the eaves. The bottom should project about 2|in in front. . The wood will last much longer if it is creosoted or coated with one

of the many wood preservatives on the market, but if this is done the house should be left some time before being used, to allow the preservative to dry. Bird houses should be placed in a i shady spot against a tree or sup- . ported on a pole; it is not advisable ■ to hang them against a wall.

A bird table is a good thing for bird lovers to have in their gardens. This table can be made in the form of a circular piece of wood about 12in to 15in in diameter, supported on a post about 3ft high. A shallow vessel should be provided for water, and a shelter can be fitted above. An easy way to make this table is to saw off the end of a barrel, nail it to a post and to cover the area with sand. Birds will soon find the sand, and will enjoy sand baths, especially during the not weather.