Nesting-Houses

Board Houses. - It is not necessary, however, to use old limbs or bark to build a house which the birds will use. A satisfactory box can be made out of ordinary boards, the older the better, as the birds are apt to be frightened away by new boards; but if these are used they should be smeared with moist soil and exposed to the weather as long as possible before the birds are expected to use the house, or they may be stained green or brown. In the construction of these houses a few points are to be noted. (1) The box should be very deep, that is, with the large dimension vertical; (2) the hole should be well up near the top, within two or three inches, with no perch near; (3) the roof should slope from the back toward the front and project out about three inches. The first two points make it difficult for the young birds to leave the house, with the result that when they do leave they are strong and better able to care for themselves than they would be had they left the house earlier. The combination of the three serves a twofold purpose: it prevents the rain from beating in and keeps the cats out. This is practically a cat-proof house. From whichever position the cat may attempt to reach the hole, whether from above or below, the projecting roof renders it extremely difficult for the animal to gain a position from which it can reach into the nest. The difficulty of reaching the house may be still further increased by attaching the house to a long slender support. The roof should be attached by hinges or in some other method so that it may be easily lifted. On the whole the author considers this the best type of house for bluebirds and chickadees that he has ever used. A projecting roof can be easily placed on the hollow limbs previously described, and the author also advises that a roof of this kind be put on the bark houses, if any danger from cats is anticipated.

Observation Box. - An observation box constructed like that shown here allows a splendid opportunity for studying intimately the home life of the birds. One side is attached by a hinge so that it can be opened, and inside is fastened a pane of glass. By this means the door can be opened by any one who wishes and a close observation made of what passes inside; but the door should be kept closed at all other times to protect the young birds from the sun's heat. It should be so situated that the sun cannot shine in when the door is open.