As simple as a birdhouse looks, there sure are a lot of questions and observations that go along with it. Birdhouse Notes is where I keep track of mine. Hope you find something useful.
— JT
Do Birds Reuse Birdhouses
What happens after a nesting season ends? Some birds return, some don't, and the reasons are interesting.
Why Hole Size Matters
One small measurement can determine which birds move in and which stay away.
Placing My Birdhouse
There's no perfect direction for every birdhouse, but placement does make a difference. Here's what I've learned from watching birds use the houses in my own yard and why I usually face mine the same way
Do Birdhouses Need Vents?
A small detail that's easy to overlook, especially during the heat of summer.
Opening the Birdhouse
Opening the birdhouses after nesting season is as much about looking as cleaning. Some hold nests packed with grass and feathers. Others hold nothing at all. Each one leaves me wondering what went on inside.
Why I Cut Kerfs
A few shallow cuts inside the front of the box give young birds something to grip when it's time to climb toward the entrance hole.
Do I Seal a Cedar Birdhouse?
Cedar is naturally durable, which means sealing it isn't always necessary. Here's why I leave some birdhouses unfinished, seal others, and how I decide which approach to use.
How I Cut the Entrance Hole
The entrance hole is one of the most important parts of a birdhouse. Here's how I cut mine, why the size matters, and the simple steps I take to get a clean, accurate opening every time.