Making a Bluebird House

Posted by SW on

February is a great time to set out bluebird houses for the spring and summer. This gives the birds time to prepare for the coming seasons, and it is a great way to provide the birds a safe environment. They are also so much fun to watch.

I love fun and fairly simple woodworking projects. I decided to try building a bluebird house. The size and shape of the box and entry hole were very specific for the Eastern Bluebird.

I placed the pole near food sources and water and away from trees or large bushes. Bluebirds like an open area for safety.

Making a Bluebird House

I used free Bluebird Box Plans from the USGS website that were fairly easy and a fun project.

I cut cedar boards into the six pieces needed for the specific size for bluebirds.
I cut the corners of the bottom board to allow drainage for the nest.
I drilled a 1 1/2 inch hole 6 1/2 inches from the bottom of the front board for the entrance.
I used a nontoxic wood glue for the frame and wood finishing nails to secure the joints.
I then added hinges to the top for easy access and cleaning. I recessed the front panel to allow good ventilation and to keep the nest cool during the hot summer months.
It was then ready to set out. I left the wood untreated. I like the rustic look of the wood, and cedar weathers well even without sanding or weather treatment.
I securely mounted the birdhouse to a metal fence pole to the recommended 6 feet above the ground using zip ties. In less than 24 hours, the bluebird couple were moving into their new home.

21 Comments Add yours

  1. Pingback: A New Bluebird Family – Yard and Pond
  2. bushboy says:
    April 18, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    Wonderful 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. SW says:
      April 18, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      Thank you so much! It was a fun project and the bluebird family are still living it and have been so much fun to watch! 😃

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. 13glidermom says:
    March 22, 2019 at 6:38 am

    Awesome! My hubby and son built and posted about 20 new boxes this year ( but we do have 12 acres to cover😘). Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. SW says:
      March 22, 2019 at 6:46 am

      Oh wow! That’s fantastic! I bet your husband and son really enjoyed that and I know the birds love them! It really was a fun project! And thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😃

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      1. 13glidermom says:
        March 22, 2019 at 6:48 am

        Thank you!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Ash Douglas says:
    March 2, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    This is awesome. Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. SW says:
      March 2, 2019 at 11:09 pm

      Thanks! It really was a fun project and it was a fun surprise to see the birds moving in the day after I put it up. Definitely worth it! 😃

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      1. Ash Douglas says:
        March 3, 2019 at 9:31 am

        Nothing like a good passion.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. The Naturarian says:
    February 26, 2019 at 5:17 am

    Great project! I bet the little guys loved it 😍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. SW says:
      February 26, 2019 at 7:15 am

      Thank you! It was a lot of fun and I hope they do enjoy it. I sure have enjoyed watching them! 😃

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  6. jmankowsky says:
    February 19, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Beautiful pictures! Bluebird are the best!🐦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. SW says:
      February 19, 2019 at 3:54 pm

      Thank you so much! They are beautiful birds and are so much fun to watch! 😃

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  7. aj vosse says:
    February 19, 2019 at 2:41 am

    Cool project! I hope they invited you over for their house warming party! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. SW says:
      February 19, 2019 at 7:14 am

      Lol! Thank you so much! Well it was just moving in day so I just enjoyed the excitement from a distance but maybe they will have a party soon! 😃

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  8. Shantanu Baruah says:
    February 18, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    These pictures are beyond beautiful

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. SW says:
      February 18, 2019 at 8:37 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed them! 😃

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Shantanu Baruah says:
        February 18, 2019 at 8:55 pm

        My absolute pleasure

        Liked by 1 person

  9. indianeskitchen says:
    February 17, 2019 at 11:59 am

    Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Julie R says:
    February 14, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    These pictures are amazing!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. SW says:
      February 14, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      Thanks Julie! So happy you enjoyed them! They have definitely been a lot of fun to watch! 😃

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