Minnesota Bird House Plans

Minnesota Bird House Plans: A Comprehensive Guide for Bird Lovers

### Introduction Minnesota is a beautiful state with a diverse bird population. From the majestic bald eagle to the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird, there are over 300 species of birds that call Minnesota home. If you're a bird lover, one of the best ways to attract birds to your yard is to build a bird house. Building a bird house is a fun and rewarding project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's also a great way to give back to nature and provide a safe place for birds to nest and raise their young. ### Choosing the Right Bird House The first step in building a bird house is to choose the right one for the type of birds you want to attract. There are many different types of bird houses available, each designed for a specific type of bird. Some of the most popular bird houses include: *

Bluebird houses:

Bluebirds are cavity-nesting birds that prefer houses with a small entrance hole and a deep nesting chamber. *

Chickadee houses:

Chickadees are also cavity-nesting birds, but they prefer houses with a larger entrance hole than bluebirds. *

Wren houses:

Wrens are small, active birds that prefer houses with a small entrance hole and a cozy nesting chamber. *

House sparrow houses:

House sparrows are not native to Minnesota, but they are common in urban areas. They prefer houses with a large entrance hole and a deep nesting chamber. ### Building a Bird House Once you've chosen the right bird house, you can start building it. There are many different ways to build a bird house, but the most common method is to use wood. To build a wooden bird house, you will need the following materials: * 1x6 pine boards * 1/2-inch plywood * 1-inch nails * A hammer * A saw * A drill * A sander * Paint or stain (optional) ### Instructions 1. Cut the wood to the following dimensions: * Front and back pieces: 6 inches wide by 12 inches long * Side pieces: 6 inches wide by 8 inches long * Bottom piece: 6 inches wide by 6 inches long * Roof pieces: 8 inches wide by 12 inches long 2. Assemble the bird house by attaching the front and back pieces to the side pieces with nails. 3. Attach the bottom piece to the front and back pieces with nails. 4. Attach the roof pieces to the top of the bird house with nails. 5. Drill a 1-1/2 inch hole in the front of the bird house, 6 inches above the bottom. 6. Sand the bird house smooth. 7. Paint or stain the bird house (optional). ### Placing the Bird House Once you've built your bird house, you need to find a good place to put it. The best location for a bird house is in a sunny spot, away from predators. You should also make sure that the bird house is at least 6 feet off the ground. This will help to keep it safe from predators and make it easier for birds to access. ### Maintaining the Bird House Once you've placed your bird house, you need to maintain it regularly. This includes cleaning the bird house out once a year and repairing any damage. You should also check the bird house for signs of nesting activity. If you see any birds nesting in the bird house, you should leave them alone. ### Conclusion Building a bird house is a fun and rewarding project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's also a great way to attract birds to your yard and give back to nature. If you're interested in building a bird house, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find bird house plans online, at your local library, or at your local home improvement store. With a little time and effort, you can build a beautiful bird house that will provide a safe place for birds to nest and raise their young.