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

by Paul Gerhards (Author) "Attracting birds to your backyard birdhouses is a lot like fishing..." (more)
Key Phrases: simple box house, entry diameter, galvanized box nails, Feeders You Can Make, Birdhouse Basics, Three Variations (more...)

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 Description
*20 b/w photos
* 100 color drawings
* 8 x 11
* Easy designs for attracting particular species
* No-frills projects, safe for birds and the environment

How to build simple, functional birdhouses and feeders, with details on customizing the designs to attract certain types of birds and using materials that won't harm them. Step-by-step instructions and color plans make construction easy. Suggestions for hanging, cleaning, and maintaining the structures, basics on birding, and hints for dealing with predators. Projects include a wren cube, bluebird house, large house for ducks and owls, purple martin high-rise, seed feeders, and suet holders.

Paul Gerhards is the author of the best-seller How to Sell What You Make and several books on woodworking, including Backyard Play Areas You Can Make and Entertainment Centers You Can Make.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (May 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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #363,902 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 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)

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 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.