| Bird Watching -- Building a Robin Nesting-Shelf |
From "DIY Bird Watching"
episode DBW-104 |
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Building a Nesting Box for Robins Robins are one of the favorites among common birds in North America. They often build their mud-and-grass nests on ledges of buildings. By providing a nest shelf (figure A) you can observe robins raise a family of young in a location that will keep them safe and sheltered. Here's how to do it: Materials: Saw (compound sliding miter saw, power saw or hand-saw)
1x10 untreated pine or cedar board; 48 inches in length
Hammer
Cement Coated Nails
Compound Level or measuring tape
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with wood, saws, drills or any power tools.
Steps :
- First, measure and mark the lumber (figure B) for the elements you'll need to build the structure:
- Measure and mark a 13-inch section off of your 1x10 for the back.
- Measure and mark a 7-inch section for the floor.
- Measure and mark an 8.5-inch section for the top.
- Measure and mark two 8-inch sections for the sides.
- Once you've measured and made your reference marks, cut your stock to length using the saw.
- Mark and trim the width of your floor and top piece to exactly 8 inches (figure C).
- Trim your two sides to 6 inches in width.
- The tops of the side pieces are cut at a 20-degree angle so that the top will slope. The front edge of the side pieces are also cut at a 20-degree angle in order to recess back (figure D).
- With all of the elements cut (figure E), you can begin assembly.
- Attach one of your side pieces to the bottom piece as shown (figure F), using nails.
- Attach the other side-piece to the bottom piece.
- Place the assembly (bottom and side pieces) on the back piece and make reference marks for centering (figure G).
- Using the reference marks as a guide, partially drive your nails into the back piece (figure H).
- Position the back piece and assembly and drive in the nails to secure the sides to the back piece (figure I).
- The next step is to attach the roof to the structure. If you want your roof to line up perfectly flush with your back piece (figure J), measure and miter-cut the back edge of the roof.
- Fasten the roof to the side with nails to complete the structure (figure K).
- Finally, place a nail about an inch down from the top center for hanging the shelf.
RESOURCES :
Stokes Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds (A Stokes Backyard Nature Book)
Model: 0316817457
Author: Donald Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
Don and Lillian Stokes' website
Stokes Birds at Home
Website: www.stokesbirdsathome.com
Stokes Birdhouse Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Nesting Birds
Model: 0316817147
Author: Donald W. Stokes, Lillian Q. Stokes
Little Brown and Company (Time Warner, Inc.)
New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-522-8700
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