A visit to almost any home or garden center presents birders with numerous cute and colorful contraptions that are sold as bird homes. But the fact is, many of these products provide anything but a safe refuge for your feathered friends. Produced in association with the National Audubon Society, Audubon Birdhouse Book explains how to build and place functional DIY bird homes that are safe and appropriate for more than 20 classic North American species, from wrens to raptors. Each of the easy-to-build boxes and shelves within is accompanied by cut lists, specially created line diagrams, and step-by-step photography, making the projects accessible to those with even the most rudimentary woodworking skills. In addition, this practical and beautifully presented guide is packed with color photography and information about the bird species covered—including titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, phoebes, swallows, waterfowl, and even kestrels and owls—to help the reader properly place and maintain the homes to attract birds. And because these projects are the product of years of experience and field-testing, you can be sure you’re getting the best advice regarding proper design, safe construction materials, and correct home placement to mitigate exposure to elements, pests, and predators. Finally, beyond the birdhouses, you’ll find out how you can contribute to the larger birding community and even enhance your birding experience with the aid of new technologies.
An outstanding publication and very educational. This new book is very well presented and composed. The articles are very well researched and I appreciate the sincere effort to explain the responsibilities one assumes by providing a nesting cavity for breeding birds. These aren’t meant to be “garden” or lawn decor but truly nesting cavities to aid and assist birds to safely build nests and raise their young.
This book is the best I’ve seen on birdhouses Having been in the bird attracting and watching industry for over 20 years and being head of a non-profit bluebird organization, I’ve seen the good, bad, and ugly when it comes to books on bird housing. In my unbiased opinion, this book is the most complete, factual, and useful one I’ve ever seen. Whereas many birdhouse books are loaded with impractical designs that almost no one can build, the Audubon Birdhouse Book has simple, easy-to-build plans that are also much better for the birds. I…
Research-based information for wildlife-approved and tested designs This book came pretty close to being perfect for me. I do recommend it if you’re looking to build “authentic” houses that birds will actually use. After two 70+ hours projects this winter I wanted a quick win for the weekend. I built several houses from this book over the weekend and had such a good time that I built even more the following weekend for a total of 11 houses.