Barn Swallow Bird House Plans

Barn Swallow Bird House Plans: A Comprehensive Guide

### Introduction Barn swallows are a beautiful and beneficial species of bird, known for their graceful aerial acrobatics and their voracious appetite for insects. If you're looking to attract these charming creatures to your property, one of the best ways is to provide them with a suitable nesting site. Building a barn swallow birdhouse is a rewarding project that can be completed in a few hours, and it's a great way to help these birds thrive in your area. ### Materials Needed To build a barn swallow birdhouse, you will need the following materials: * 1x6 pine board (6 feet long) * 1/2-inch plywood (2 feet by 4 feet) * 1-inch wood screws * Wood glue * Nails * Hammer * Saw * Drill * Measuring tape * Pencil ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1.

Cut the Wood Pieces

* Cut the 1x6 pine board into the following pieces: * 2 pieces - 12 inches long (for the front and back of the birdhouse) * 2 pieces - 8 inches long (for the sides of the birdhouse) * 1 piece - 6 inches long (for the roof of the birdhouse) * Cut the 1/2-inch plywood into the following pieces: * 1 piece - 12 inches by 8 inches (for the floor of the birdhouse) * 1 piece - 12 inches by 6 inches (for the back wall of the birdhouse) 2.

Assemble the Birdhouse

* Start by attaching the front and back pieces of the birdhouse to the floor. Use wood glue and 1-inch wood screws to secure them in place. * Next, attach the side pieces of the birdhouse to the front and back pieces. Again, use wood glue and 1-inch wood screws to secure them in place. * Finally, attach the roof of the birdhouse to the top of the birdhouse. Use nails and a hammer to secure it in place. 3.

Add the Finishing Touches

* Use a drill to create a 1-1/2-inch hole in the front of the birdhouse, about 2 inches from the top. This will serve as the entrance hole for the barn swallows. * Paint the birdhouse with a weatherproof paint. This will help to protect it from the elements and make it more appealing to the birds. * Attach a mounting bracket to the back of the birdhouse. This will allow you to hang the birdhouse from a tree or other structure. ### Tips for Success * Place the birdhouse in a sunny location, at least 10 feet above the ground. * Keep the area around the birdhouse free of debris and vegetation. * Monitor the birdhouse regularly for signs of activity. If you see barn swallows nesting in the birdhouse, you're sure to be rewarded with hours of enjoyment watching these fascinating creatures. ### Conclusion Building a barn swallow birdhouse is a fun and rewarding project that can make a big difference for these beautiful and beneficial birds. By providing them with a safe and comfortable nesting site, you can help them to thrive in your area and enjoy their presence for years to come.