Decorating a bird house can be a fun and rewarding project. With a little creativity, you can create an attractive and inviting home for your feathered friends. When decorating a bird house, there are a few key things to keep in mind: location, weather protection, entrance size, interior perches, and aesthetics.
Where to Locate the Bird House
One of the most important considerations when placing a bird house is the location. Here are some tips on where to hang or mount your bird house:
- Place the house in a quiet area of your yard away from busy activity.
- Face the entrance towards a tree, shrub, or brush to provide cover and a place to perch before entering.
- Choose a spot with some morning sun to warm the house but afternoon shade to keep it cool.
- Mount the house 5-10 feet off the ground on a tree, pole, or wall mount.
- Ensure it is safe from predators by placing it away from trees where squirrels and raccoons can jump on.
Placing your bird house in the right location will encourage nesting birds to take up residence. Make sure to observe where birds are traveling and landing in your yard before deciding on the perfect spot.
Add Weather Protection
Providing weather and temperature control will create ideal living conditions for birds. Here are some ways to make your bird house more protective:
- Use exterior paint, stains, or preservatives to seal and protect the wood.
- Install drainage holes near the bottom to prevent water from pooling inside.
- Attach a predator guard or baffle below the entrance to stop squirrels, cats, or snakes from getting in.
- Consider adding ventilation holes or slots under the roof overhang to promote air circulation.
- Use a roofing material like asphalt, metal, or cedar shingles to repel rain and sun.
- Face the entrance away from the prevailing wind so the inside does not get too cold in winter.
Taking wind, rain, and sun exposure into account will help control the interior climate of the bird house. Proper weather proofing provides a healthy and comfortable nesting site.
Make the Right Sized Entrance Hole
The entrance hole is one of the most critical parts of a bird house. The size and shape should be customized to suit the species of bird you want to attract. Here are some standard bird house entrance hole dimensions to follow:
- 1 1/8” diameter for chickadees, nuthatches, titmouse
- 1 1⁄4” diameter for house wrens, bluebirds
- 1 1⁄2” diameter for purple martins, some woodpeckers
- 2 1/8” diameter for flickers, kestrels
- Oval or rectangular shape for swallows and martins
It is tempting to make the hole larger to accommodate more species, but a hole that is too big makes the interior more vulnerable to predators. Only make the entrance as large as needed for your target bird.
Add Interior Perches
Adding perches inside the bird house gives birds a place to comfortably rest. Here are some tips on constructing interior perches:
- Use untreated sanded dowels, branches, or twigs about 1⁄4” to 1⁄2” in diameter for perching.
- Insert perches about 1 1⁄2” to 2” below the entrance hole for easy access.
- Space multiple perches 2”-3” apart horizontally if including more than one.
- Notch wood perches into the side walls or attach with small nails or glue at each end.
- Natural tree branches can be cut to fit and screwed into sides of the house.
Perches allow adult birds to rest while feeding their young and provide a place for babies to hop before fledging. Just be sure perches are smooth, secure, and situated for easy movement in and out of the house.
Embellish the Exterior
You can get creative and make your bird house unique with fun decorative elements. Here are some ways to embellish the outside:
- Paint or stain the house in colors to match your home or garden landscape.
- Add decorative roof shingles, a weathervane, or whirligig ornament on top.
- Stencil or paint designs like flowers, birds, butterflies or nature scenes on the sides.
- Use craft items like buttons, beads, tiles, stones, or glass to make an ornamental bird house.
- Affix bird-friendly decorations like dried botanicals, gourds, pinecones, or leaves around the entrance.
- Attach a small plaque or handmade sign with the bird species or house number.
Getting creative with paint, textures, and embellishments can make your bird house a beautiful garden focal point. Just be cautious about adding too many nonfunctional decor items that could impede the birds.
Use Natural Materials
Incorporating natural elements both inside and out can make the space very inviting for birds. Consider using:
- Pine needles, dried moss, straw or grass clippings as a nest box lining.
- Twigs, branches, birch logs as natural perches.
- Coconut shells, nuts or gourds to hold nesting materials.
- Flower petals, sunflower seeds, fruits or berries as edible decor.
- Seashells, stones, sand or maple keys to embellish the floor of the house.
Natural materials add texture and bring an outdoorsy feel to the bird house interior. Just be sure to avoid anything with toxic pesticides or that could mold.
Add Accessories
Optional bird house accessories can make it even more functional and attractive. Some handy add-ons include:
- A removable side, roof, or back panel for easy interior access and cleaning.
- A predator guard to close off the entrance after nesting season.
- Plexiglass sides for unobstructed viewing of feathered tenants.
- Custom copper, ceramic or glass art tile house numbers.
- A weathervane roof accent that moves in the breeze.
- Spinner or pinwheel whirligigs to help deter squirrels.
Accessorizing with windows, numbers, movable parts, or decorations can add whimsy and character to a basic bird house. Just don’t over-embellish to the point where it is not functional for attracting birds.
Use Recycled Items
An eco-friendly way to decorate a bird house is by repurposing recycled items:
- Wood scraps, pallet boards, driftwood or fallen branches for building materials.
- Old license plates, buttons, or silverware for embellishing the exterior.
- Sea glass, crushed shells, or china shards to decorate walkways around the house.
- Burlap, hemp, or jute scraps to create removable curtains or door flaps.
- Scrap copper piping, wire, or hardware for perches, signs, or feeders.
Recycling and upcycling castoff items reduces waste while creating a charming, rustic look. Get creative with recycled materials you may already have around the home.
Incorporate Bird Feeders or Houses
Making your bird house part of a larger bird habitat encourages increased visits. Try these tips for creating a bird-friendly space:
- Hang bird feeders near the house so birds get accustomed to the area.
- Include multiple bird houses together to provide community nesting sites.
- Add elements like a birdbath fountain, dusting pockets, or running water.
- Landscape with native plants and flowers birds use for food and shelter.
- Set up playground equipment like swings, ropes, or perches for enrichment.
By turning your bird house into a complete bird-watching haven, you will have much more bird activity and enjoyment.
Important Reminders
While decorating your bird house, keep these reminders in mind:
- Avoid using harmful paints or stains that could leach chemicals.
- Steer clear of materials that retain moisture and could grow mold.
- Don’t make the entrance hole too big or predators may be able to get in.
- Ensure all decorations are securely fastened and cannot fall or trap birds.
- Do not attach complicated accessories that could hinder entry or frighten birds away.
Decorate safely and keep the wellbeing of wild birds as your top priority. With some thoughtful creativity, you can design a stylish, entertaining bird house.
Bird House Decorating Ideas
Here are some specific themes and motifs to spark your creativity when decorating a bird house:
Whimsical Bird Houses
- Paint fun colors like aqua, pink or sunny yellow
- Add polka dot or stripe patterns
- Decorate with flowers, butterflies and dragonflies
- Incorporate wind chimes or whirligigs
- Attach creative bird silhouettes or shaped signs
Rustic Bird Houses
- Use aged, weathered wood for a rustic look
- Incorporate twig or branch perches
- Decorate with pinecones, acorn garlands, twine bows
- Add a moss or lichen covered roof
- Use rubbed or crackle paint techniques
Beach Cottage Bird Houses
- Use weathered driftwood, sea glass and shells
- Decorate with fish net, coral and starfish motifs
- Paint colors like seafoam green, sky blue and sand
- Add accents like buoys, oars and beach signs
- Line walkway with crushed shells or sand
Farmhouse Bird Houses
- Craft from wood barn siding, tin roofing or clay pots
- Paint in neutral tones like olive, sage green or warm white
- Use burlap bows, twine, grapevines and flower boxes
- Stencil roof with folksy designs like cows, sheep or chickens
- Include a weathervane, wind chime, or water pump accent
Modern Bird Houses
- Construct with new, sleek materials like pine and cedar
- Paint bold solid colors or minimalist patterns
- Incorporate clean lines, geometric shapes and large openings
- Use metal roofing and hardware for an industrial vibe
- Display in groupings for artistic effect
The decorating possibilities are endless! Choose motifs that complement your personal style and backyard landscape.
Bird House Construction Materials
The types of materials you construct your bird house from will impact its safety, durability, and appearance. Here are some of the most common:
| Material | Qualities |
|---|---|
| Cedar | Naturally weather resistant, aromatic scent repels insects, expensive |
| Pine | Affordable, easy to work with, requires protective staining |
| Plywood | Durable, smooth siding, can warp if exposed to moisture |
| Redwood | Decently priced, attractive grain, resistant to decay |
| Cypress | Handsome appearance, naturally insect repelling, good insulation |
| Teak | Beautiful but expensive, weather and insect resistant |
| Oak | Strong and heavy, needs protective finish, rustic appeal |
| Spruce | Affordable softwood, stains well, susceptible to rotting |
Cedar, redwood, and cypress have natural resistance to moisture and insects. But any weather-treated wood can be decorated into an attractive, durable bird house.
Bird House Color Selection
When painting the exterior, choose colors that will best match your vision for decoration:
- Natural wood tones provide a neutral, earthy look that blends into landscapes.
- White makes decor details pop and gives a clean, contemporary style.
- Cheerful colors like blue, purple, yellow or green add whimsical personality.
- Earthy hues like olive, brown, tan, and slate gray complement backyard environments.
- Bold colors like cherry red, navy, or black create dramatic contrast.
Aim for colors birds find appealing but not too startling. Muted, natural tones help the house harmoniously blend in.
Interior Design for Bird Houses
Decorating continues inside the bird house to create an attractive nesting environment:
- Use 1-2” of wood shavings or straw as bedding in the bottom.
- Consider interior accent colors that match or coordinate with the exterior.
- Paint, stain, or seal all interior wood surfaces for protection.
- Drill weep holes along the bottom edges so moisture can drain.
- Install 2-4 interior perches at various heights for resting spots.
- Affix nesting materials like pet fur, string, or dry grass with wire.
Natural, breathable materials work best for interior design. Focus on safety and comfort over decoration.
Making Bird Houses Fun for Kids
Decorating a bird house is a creative project kids will love. Here are ways to make it engaging:
- Have children paint fun designs, shapes, and colors.
- Use safe, non-toxic craft materials like tempera paint, glue, and paper.
- Add creative touches like feathers, gems, ribbons and stickers.
- Make houses from milk cartons, or boxes for upcycling fun.
- Construct easy builds from kits or pre-cut wood pieces.
- Encourage them to hang their decorated houses outdoors.
- Let them observe and record visiting birds in a journal.
Guide the activity while allowing kids to freely express themselves. They will gain appreciation for birds and crafting.
Conclusion
Decorating a bird house provides the perfect outlet for creativity and animal appreciation. By considering elements like protective location, weatherproofing, entrance size, interior perches, and aesthetics, you can create an attractive, functional home for wild birds. Use fun themes, natural and recycled materials, accessories, and color to make your bird house a beautiful addition to any garden. With a commitment to sustainability and bird safety, you can design a living space as artful as it is practical.
