Bird Houses Get Feature Review

Bird houses are a popular solution for increasing the aesthetic and curbside appeal of a yard or garden. The October 2009 issue of This Old House featured YardEnvy.com's Red Cape Cod Wren Bird House, as well as a few additional models that can be found at YardEnvy.com. This Old House magazine is dedicated to helping freshen homes inside and out, providing home solutions, tips, DIY projects, and product reviews. Below are some of the bird houses highlighted in the "Architectural Birdhouses" article.

Cape Code Wren Bird House
featured in "This Old House"

Painted Bird Houses
Arts and Crafts Bird House

Victorian Bird Houses

Decorative Birdhouses

Bird houses are available in so many styles and designs, from rustic wooden bird houses to elaborate chateaus. The sweet and gentle sounds of a songbird in the morning and the joy of watching birds communicate and flutter peacefully can ease the stresses caused by a long work week and busy schedule. When spring nears, bird houses are erected quickly, in an effort to attract new birds as well as to continue to provide a home for previous residents.

While it is extremely enjoyable to be a bird landlord, there are a few steps that should be followed to improve your birds habitat. Birds are natural prey to House Sparrows, snakes, raccoons, squirrels, and owls. Position your bird house strategically to offer birds protection from invasion by predators. Try to use posts or poles that will keep bird houses at least 5 feet above the ground, and use a baffle to make climbing the posts difficult. Place the bird house 10 feet or further from trees and buildings to ward off jumping squirrels and raccoons. Bird houses typically offer holes too small for House Sparrows to enter, so as long as you select a bird house with a small opening, invasion by Sparrows will be less of a concern.

Bird houses should not be monitored too closely, but be sure to check on your birds during periods of extreme heat or heavy rains lasting for than just a couple days. White bird houses are suggested in hot climates to reflect the sun's rays, and consider placing a bird feeder close to the bird house if rain is a concern. Birds who feed on insects lose their food supply during continuous rainfall and may need supplemental nutrition.