Unique Bird houses/Creative Bird houses with an artistic touch

Unique bird houses are a fun and creative way to start bird watching. They are not only useful for housing birds, but can be fun to collect or design yourself. Whether you are purchasing or designing and building your own unique bird house, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you start.

What kinds of birds will live in this house? Are they tiny little chickadees, or larger sparrows? Depending on what species of bird you want using your creative bird house, make sure the entrance hole is large enough to admit them. Some species, like swallows, prefer a platform approach. You may be able to find or make a creative place that they’ll like as well.

The great thing about unique bird houses is the sky’s the limit. Whimsical houses can be made from gourds, shaped like animals, or made out of unusual items. Maybe the house will look like it belongs in fairy land, or even Disneyland. Sculptural houses may be made from wood, or may be highlighted with rusty old pieces of equipment, utensils, or glassware. Artistic bird houses may be painted with a mural or with an artsy-craftsy touch.

Household items like canteens, boots, and hats may inspire creative bird houses. Other houses may emulate items we’re familiar with but birds are not, such as a travel trailer or an airplane.

As with any bird house, you must pay attention to how and where you mount the house. Some birds simply will not live anywhere but an open grassy area, while others prefer a more protected site. You must take weather into consideration, and make sure the house is weatherproof. The last thing you want after finding or creating your own creative bird house is to have it ruined by the rain. If the house can survive the rain, it will protect the little fledglings that will someday hatch there. When mounting your unique bird house, choose a pole or post that will raise the house far enough above the ground, yet be difficult for squirrels and cats to climb.

Creative bird houses need regular maintenance just like more traditional bird houses. Check it regularly for damage from weather or insects. Houses should be cleaned out annually by removing old nesting material and washing with a bleach solution. When choosing houses that you want birds to use, look for easy to use openings for cleaning them out.

Once you’ve selected and mounted your unique bird house, it’s all over but the waiting. Set out your bird house as early as possible in the fall or winter to prepare for spring babies. Attract possible tenants by setting out a bird feeder and a bird bath to provide water in the winter and early spring. Be sure and place the bird bath away from the feeder and the bird house, as birds, like us, prefer a little peace and quiet while bathing. Once the birds are aware of your cool new digs, you’ll most likely have new neighbors in your yard in no time. Once they’ve moved in, sit back, relax, and enjoy some bird song.

Be amazed at their sweeping flights across the yard, and at how much nesting material they can truly stuff inside that little house. Who said clutter was bad? We here at OutdoorDecorativeBirdhouses.com want to help you with all the information you need to find the right birdhouse.