Northern Cardinal Birdhouse Plans Free Printables

Northern Cardinal Birdhouse Plans: Free Printables to Attract These Vibrant Birds

The Northern Cardinal, a striking bird known for its brilliant red plumage in males and subtle reddish hues in females, is a welcome sight in backyards across North America. Attracting these beautiful birds can be achieved by providing suitable habitat and food sources. One effective method is offering a well-designed birdhouse specifically tailored to their needs. This article details free printable plans for constructing a Northern Cardinal birdhouse, outlining key considerations for design, materials, placement, and maintenance, all crucial for successfully attracting and housing these captivating birds.

Understanding Northern Cardinal Housing Preferences

Northern Cardinals, unlike many cavity-nesting birds, prefer more open nesting sites. They are not typically drawn to the enclosed, small-entrance birdhouses favored by wrens or bluebirds. Instead, they favor a platform-style or open-fronted birdhouse. This preference stems from their natural inclination to build nests in dense shrubs and thickets. Replicating this openness in a birdhouse is essential for attracting cardinals.

The size of the platform or open area is significant. Too small, and the birds may feel cramped and vulnerable. Too large, and the nest might be exposed to weather and predators. A platform approximately 6 inches by 8 inches offers a good balance. The height of the back wall, if present, should be around 8 to 10 inches to provide some protection without completely enclosing the space.

Material choice is another critical factor. Natural, untreated wood is the best option. Avoid using pressure-treated lumber, which can contain chemicals harmful to birds. Cedar and redwood are excellent choices due to their natural resistance to rot and insects. Pine is also suitable, but it may require more frequent maintenance to prevent decay.

Free Printable Birdhouse Plans

Several free printable birdhouse plans are available online, catering to varying skill levels and material availability. These plans typically include detailed diagrams, dimensions, and step-by-step instructions for building a platform or open-fronted birdhouse suitable for Northern Cardinals. When selecting a plan, ensure it adheres to the cardinal's size and nesting preferences described earlier.

A typical set of free plans will include a parts list, indicating the quantity and dimensions of each piece of wood required. The plans will also provide cutting diagrams to minimize wood waste. Assembly instructions will guide you through the process of joining the pieces together, usually with screws or nails. It is crucial to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a structurally sound and weatherproof birdhouse.

Many free plans also offer variations, such as adding a small roof overhang for added weather protection or incorporating drainage holes in the platform to prevent water accumulation. Consider these variations and adapt the plans to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Before starting construction, thoroughly review the plans and ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools. This includes: wood, screws or nails, saw, drill, measuring tape, pencil, and safety glasses. Preparation is key to a successful birdhouse building project.

Remember to print the plans on high-quality paper to ensure the dimensions are accurate. Double-checking all measurements before cutting the wood is also advisable.

Here's a simplified outline of what a typical free printable birdhouse plan for Northern Cardinals might include:

Title:

Northern Cardinal Platform Birdhouse *

Materials List:

* Cedar or Redwood planks (dimensions specified) * Exterior screws or nails * Wood glue (optional) *

Tools Required:

* Saw (hand saw or power saw) * Drill * Screwdriver or nail gun * Measuring tape * Pencil * Sandpaper *

Cutting Diagram:

Visual representation of how to cut the wood pieces from the planks. *

Assembly Instructions:

* Step-by-step instructions with diagrams, showing how to assemble the birdhouse. * Emphasis on secure joints and proper drainage. *

Dimensions:

Accurate measurements for all parts of the birdhouse: * Platform size: 6" x 8" * Back wall height: 8" - 10" * Roof overhang (optional): 2" - 3" *

Placement Recommendations:

Guidelines for choosing a suitable location for the birdhouse. *

Maintenance Tips:

Advice on cleaning and maintaining the birdhouse.

When searching for free printable plans online, use specific keywords such as "Northern Cardinal birdhouse plans free," "platform birdhouse plans," or "open-front birdhouse plans." Always download plans from reputable sources to ensure accuracy and safety.

Key Considerations for Birdhouse Placement and Maintenance

Even the best-designed birdhouse will not attract cardinals if it is not placed in a suitable location. Cardinals prefer sheltered areas with dense vegetation nearby. This provides cover from predators and a source of nesting material. Placing the birdhouse near shrubs, trees, or thickets is ideal. Avoid placing it in open, exposed areas.

The height of the birdhouse is also important. Cardinals typically nest at heights of 4 to 10 feet above the ground. Mounting the birdhouse on a sturdy post or attaching it to a tree branch at this height is recommended. Ensure the birdhouse is securely mounted to prevent it from swaying excessively in the wind.

Consider the direction the birdhouse faces. Ideally, it should face away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight. An easterly or southeasterly orientation is often preferred, as it provides morning sun while shielding the nest from the harsh afternoon sun.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping the birdhouse clean and habitable. Cleaning the birdhouse once a year, after the nesting season has ended, is recommended. Remove old nesting material and debris. Use a brush and warm soapy water to scrub the interior. Rinse thoroughly and allow the birdhouse to dry completely before reinstalling it.

Check the birdhouse periodically for signs of damage or wear. Repair any cracks or loose joints to prevent water from entering. Replace any parts that are significantly damaged. Proper maintenance will extend the life of the birdhouse and ensure it remains a suitable nesting site for cardinals for many years.

Avoid using pesticides or herbicides near the birdhouse. These chemicals can be harmful to birds and their young. Opt for natural methods of pest control, such as attracting beneficial insects or using organic repellents.

Monitoring the birdhouse during the nesting season can provide valuable insights into the cardinals' behavior. Observe the birds from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Note the dates when they start building their nest, when the eggs are laid, and when the young birds fledge. This information can help you refine your birdhouse design and placement strategies in future years.

By following these guidelines, you can create a welcoming and safe nesting environment for Northern Cardinals in your backyard. Free printable birdhouse plans offer a convenient and affordable way to construct a suitable birdhouse, and careful placement and maintenance will ensure its long-term success in attracting these beautiful birds.

It is important to remember that attracting wildlife is not guaranteed. Providing the proper habitat and resources increases the likelihood of success, but ultimately, it is up to the birds to choose where they want to nest.