Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make: Complete Plans and Instructions for Bird-Friendly Nesting and Feeding Sites [Paperback]

Paul Gerhards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

How to build simple, functional birdhouses and feeders, including customized designs to attract a certain species.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Birds have it tough, suffering through harsh winters and long migrations. The very least we can do is build them a house. These titles show a wide range of birdhouse styles, ranging from the practical and utilitarian to the decorative and fanciful. Gerhards, who has written several do-it-yourself titles for beginners, provides practical instructions for traditional birdhouses. Birds are particular about the size and shape of their home's door opening, the inside dimensions, and its height off the ground. Gerhards gives the housing requirements of a variety of birds, which will be helpful to those wanting to attract specific species. Clear step-by-step instructions explain how to build and hang a number of different types of houses for birds ranging from bluebirds to ducks and owls. A plan for a platform for nest-building birds is also included. These designs are well within the capabilities of most hobbyists. Numerous hints for attracting and observing birds are included, and instructions for feeders and information about different foods round out this highly recommended title. Rice's book contains examples of colorful and beautiful birdhouses designed more as knickknacks for people than homes for birds. It's possible that birds might take up residence, but only one door size is given, and there is no information on modifications for different species. The houses lack ventilation openings and cannot be opened for cleaning. Rice's designs and painting techniques are impressive to look at and would make pretty decorations around the house. Collections serving avid crafters should consider this title, but those who are truly interested in observing and caring for birds should choose Gerhards's book.AJonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811726797
• ISBN-13: 978-0811726795
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #505,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as Complete as the title suggests, January 6, 2007

By 

Kathlene Lentz "I Do it Myself" (Midland, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make: Complete Plans and Instructions for Bird-Friendly Nesting and Feeding Sites (Paperback)

The book does have plans and drawings, but the instructions are not nearly as complete as the title would have you believe. I thought that it would be more detailed than it is and would include more original plans. The ones in here are just basic plans that are included in every free plan site I've found, so why pay for them?

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide, interesting information, October 16, 2008

By 

David C. Reed (Earth) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make: Complete Plans and Instructions for Bird-Friendly Nesting and Feeding Sites (Paperback)

This is not only a great guide for builders, there's some good information in here on the birds that will (you hope) use the houses, too. What to build where, what to skip in your region, etc. Would be nice if there were some better building tips (e.g. - how to get the most out of a single piece of wood, mounting), but you'll figure those out along the way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gift for the Hubby from Amazon, April 20, 2011

By 

Susan K. Geyman "Susan Stec" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make: Complete Plans and Instructions for Bird-Friendly Nesting and Feeding Sites (Paperback)

I purchased this for my husband and he was very pleased with it. He's already made a bird house for a Barn Owl and a few feeders. The birds love him and I enjoy watching them. The delivery was prompt - the book in very good shame - very pleased with this vendor.

Susan



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