Cardinal Bird House Plans

The cardinal is a beautiful and popular bird that is often seen in backyards across North America. These birds are known for their bright red plumage and their cheerful songs. If you're looking to attract cardinals to your yard, building a birdhouse is a great option. Cardinals prefer to nest in cavities, so a birdhouse with a small entrance hole is ideal. The house should also be placed in a sheltered location, such as under a tree or on the side of a building.

Materials

* 1x6 pine boards * 1/2-inch plywood * 1-1/4-inch wood screws * 1-inch wood nails * Wood glue * Paint or stain (optional)

Tools

* Saw * Drill * Hammer * Sander * Tape measure * Pencil

Instructions

1. Cut the wood according to the following dimensions: * Front and back pieces: 8 inches wide by 12 inches long * Side pieces: 8 inches wide by 6 inches long * Bottom piece: 6 inches wide by 12 inches long * Roof pieces: 8 inches wide by 10 inches long 2. Assemble the birdhouse by attaching the side pieces to the front and back pieces with wood screws. Glue the bottom piece in place. 3. Cut a 1-1/2-inch hole in the front of the birdhouse, about 6 inches from the bottom. This will be the entrance hole. 4. Cut a small piece of plywood to fit inside the birdhouse, about 2 inches below the entrance hole. This will be the perching platform. 5. Attach the roof pieces to the birdhouse with wood nails. 6. Paint or stain the birdhouse as desired. 7. Hang the birdhouse in a sheltered location, about 5-10 feet off the ground.

Tips

* To make the birdhouse more durable, you can use cedar or redwood instead of pine. * You can also add a predator guard to the birdhouse to help protect the cardinals from predators such as cats and snakes. * Clean the birdhouse once a year to remove any old nesting material and parasites.