Building a birdhouse can be a rewarding project, providing a safe haven for birds like cardinals and adding beauty to your garden. Cardinals prefer open nest sites and are not cavity-nesters, which means they don’t usually use enclosed birdhouses. However, you can create a nesting platform or shelf that cardinals may use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a bird-friendly structure that might attract cardinals to your yard.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before starting, gather all the necessary materials and tools. You will need:
– Untreated wood (such as pine or cedar) for durability and safety
– Wood screws or nails
– Screwdriver or hammer
– Saw (hand saw or power saw)
– Sandpaper
– Measuring tape or ruler
– Carpenter’s level
– Drill with bit for pre-drilling holes (optional)
Step 1: Design the Nesting Platform
Cardinals prefer an open nesting area, so a platform design works well. The dimensions of the platform can vary, but a general size is about 7 inches by 8 inches for the base, with 6 to 8-inch side guards to prevent wind from blowing the nest away and to offer some protection from predators.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Using the saw, cut the wood according to your design. You will need a base piece, two longer side pieces, and two shorter end pieces. Sand the edges to remove any splinters or rough areas.
Step 3: Assemble the Base and Side Guards
Attach the side guards to the edges of the base using screws or nails. Pre-drill the holes with the drill to avoid splitting the wood. Make sure the side guards are secure and the screws or nails are flush with the wood to prevent injuries to the birds.
Step 4: Secure the Platform to a Post or Tree
Cardinals typically nest at heights between 5 and 10 feet off the ground. Find a quiet, sheltered spot in your garden that mimics a cardinal’s natural nesting environment. Use wood screws to attach the platform securely to a post or tree, ensuring it’s level. It’s important to avoid areas that receive a lot of human activity.
Step 5: Maintenance and Care
Once the nesting season is over, it’s a good practice to clean the platform. Remove any remaining nest material and sanitize the wood with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) to prevent the spread of diseases. Rinse with water and allow it to dry before the next nesting season begins.
Additional Tips
- Avoid using pressure-treated wood, as the chemicals can be harmful to birds.
- Do not paint or stain the interior of the platform; natural wood is healthier for the birds.
- Consider adding a roof to provide shade and protection from the rain.
- Do not place the nesting platform near bird feeders or baths, as traffic from other birds may discourage cardinals.
Encouraging Cardinals to Your Yard
While building the platform, creating a bird-friendly environment is also essential. Plant native shrubs and trees for natural cover, provide a consistent water source, and offer foods that cardinals prefer, like sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Be patient, as it may take time for cardinals to discover and use your nesting platform.
Conclusion
Birdwatching can be a delightful hobby, and offering a safe place for birds to nest makes it even more enjoyable. With the right materials, tools, and a little time, you can create a welcoming space for cardinals to raise their young. Remember, the key to attracting cardinals is to provide the right habitat and food sources in your garden.
By following these steps, you’ll have a cardinal-friendly nesting platform that could soon become a favorite spot for these beautiful birds.