Miniature Birdhouses

Richard Gorthy of San Ramon, California turns to local historical landmarks as models for his amazing replica birdhouses. Each one takes about 800 to 1,000 hours—over a period of about 6 months—to build. His wife, Heidi, helps with the painting and by creating landscapes around the buildings.

He doesn't sell his work, but rather displays it at art fairs, museums and fund-raisers. Here are a few of the birdhouses he has created.

David Glass House, built in 1877, located in San Ramon, California

Old St. Raymond's Church, built in 1860, located in Dublin, California

Tassajara School, built in 1889, located in Danville, California

Danville Railroad Station, built in 1891, located in Danville, California

Charlevoix Cottage, built in 1892, located in Charlevoix, Michigan

Pleasanton Hotel, built in 1898, located in Pleasanton, California