Part 5

Place the houses in quiet places, away from the direct rays of the sun, high enough to be out of the way of prowling cats or too inquisitive human beings.

BIRD BOX SPECIFICATIONS.

To successfully entice the birds to a man,—or rather boy—or girl-made home, there are certain rules which experience has proven we must follow.

The drawings in this book have been made as nearly correct as careful study of all available data on the subject will allow. The author feels confident that if the drawings, together with the specifications that go with them, are carefully followed the artisan will be amply rewarded by finding all bird tenements “let” as soon as the spring migration and nesting season starts.

These houses and many of varied design have been successfully built by pupils of the seventh and eighth grades, with over 75 percent of success in having them occupied.

The table given below gives the correct dimensions for a variety of houses for different birds.

The size of the opening is very important, as it is essential that it be no larger than is necessary for the bird for whom it is intended, to conveniently enter.

The smaller birds will be bothered a great deal by the English sparrow, who enters if the opening is not kept very small.

It is considered by a majority of authorities that a perch is not a help but a hindrance at the opening. The sparrows alight there and by their incessant chirping drive out or annoy the more desirable occupants. Again, the bluebird and most of the other song birds can fly directly to the edge of the opening and thus go in, while the sparrow, not quite as clever, must first alight on the perch and get his bearing before hopping in.

It is exceedingly important that there be some means of cleaning out Bird Houses at the season’s end or to remove any dead birdlings during the season. This may be taken care of by having either the roof or the bottom hinged.

TYPICAL BIRD HOUSE SPECIFICATIONS.

===================================================================== Floor Depth Entrance Diameter Height Area in in Above of From Inches Inches Floor in Entrance Ground Bird Inches in Inches in Inches ====================================================================== Bluebird 5×5 8 6 1½ 5-10 Robin 6×8 8 6-15 Chickadee 4×4 8-10 8 1⅛ 6-15 Tufted Titmouse 4×4 8-10 8 1¼ 6-15 White-breasted Nuthatch 4×4 8-10 8 1¼ 12-20 House Wren 4×4 6-8 1-6 ⅞ 6-10 Bewick Wren 4×4 6-8 1-6 1⅛ 6-10 Carolina Wren 4×4 6-8 1-6 1⅛ 6-10 Dipper 6×6 6 1 3 1-3 Violent-Green Swallow 5×5 6 1-6 1½ 10-15 Tree Swallow 5×5 6 1-6 1½ 10-15 Barn Swallow 6×6 6 8-12 Martin 6×6 6 1 2½ 16-20 Swallow 6×6 6 1 2½ 16-20 Song Sparrow 6×6 6 1-3 Crested Flycatcher 6×6 8-10 8 2 8-20 Red-headed Woodpecker 6×6 12-15 12 2 12-20 Golden-Fronted Woodpecker 6×6 12-15 12 1½ 12-20 Hairy Woodpecker 6×6 12-15 12 1½ 12-20 Downy Woodpecker 4×4 8-10 8 1¼ 6-20 Screech Owl 8×8 12-15 12 3 10-30 Sparrow Hawk 8×8 12-15 12 3 10-30 Saw-Whet Owl 6×6 10-12 10 2½ 12-20 Barn Owl 10×18 15-18 4 6 12-18 Wood Duck 10×18 10-15 3 6 4-20 =====================================================================

There should be a few small holes bored in the bottom to allow any moisture that might accumulate, to drain. Also, another set of holes at least ¼-inch in diameter should be bored for ventilation, high enough so that no drafts will affect the young. These are best located just under the eaves.

In boring the entrance hole, tip the bit upward slightly so that rain water will not drip inward.

Some device for attaching the house to a building or tree should be provided. It is best to have the house stationary to prevent undue swinging in a high wind, perhaps causing the breaking of eggs and discomfort to the mother bird.

Houses of unusual shape or design are not considered as good as the plainer types, the idea being to make each house harmonize as naturally as possible with the surroundings.

It must be evident from the foregoing that there are quite a number of things to keep in mind as we prepare our plans for the homes of the future feathered inhabitants.

METHODS OF CONDUCTING A BIRD HOUSE CONTEST.

St. Johnsbury, Vermont, is very fortunate in having a fine Museum of Natural Science with a corps of very efficient workers on its staff.

Every year the directors of the Museum donate a substantial amount of prize money as rewards for the best houses constructed for birds by pupils of the grammar school.

The local Commercial Club, as well as many of the merchants also, add generously to the fund, so that the boys and girls, besides having an incentive for helping their bird friends from an economic standpoint, also have a chance to profit financially.

Previous to starting work the Museum instructors give interesting lectures on the necessity of providing all possible assistance for the birds, and by mounted specimens show the various birds that readily accept the artificial houses. They also explain the entrance sizes required by the different species, and go into detail concerning ventilation, drainage, coloring and placing of the houses.

Later on the children are taken on bird walks, so as to study first hand the characteristics, habitat, and difference in coloring of the male and female of the various native birds.

Original designs are encouraged, and with discussions and good advice the work is started. A stated amount of time is allowed for completing the houses, and the material is paid for by each pupil.

On the appointed day the houses are numbered and grouped and are ready for the judging.

Three judges are appointed from among people who are proficient to judge such an exhibit, usually one of the museum instructors, to judge the technical side, a carpenter or mechanic, to judge the workmanship, and one who is interested in art to take care of the general design and appearance.

The score card is as follows:

Fitness to purpose 50% Skill in Workmanship 30% Appearance, design, color 20% ———— Total 100%