
Materials:
- 5-in.-square box (built, reclaimed or purchased)
- Lauan for “bird” shape
- Small finish nails
- Picture-hanging hardware or wire and 2 screws
- 1-in. butt hinge
- Screen door hook and eye
- Glue
- Exterior latex primer and paint
- Shellac or other outdoor varnish
- Bird template
- Jigsaw
- Screw gun or drill
- 1¼-in. to 1½-in. hole saw
- Clamps
- Hammer
- Fine-grit sandpaper
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1
Cut one 5x5-in. square, two 5x4¾-in. rectangles and two 4¾x4½-in. rectangles out of ¼-in. plywood, clear pine, shelf board, barn board or similar.
EDITOR'S NOTE: If you are building the box, follow the instructions from step 1. If you already have a box, begin with step 6.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11

Step 12

Step 13
Step 14

Tuire says
cute but I would use stronger hanging method than picture frame hook. Raccoons will tear this down in no time. Screws or metal wire are safer.
Jo Watts says
Where is the template? All I got was the instructions and picture that were in the magazine.
Dee says
Refer to step 6.
Eena says
Link in Step 6 results in an error message!
Liz says
I couldn’t find the Template for the birth also. I guess we will have to find one another place.
Sharon says
I printed out the template but it is small. What is the actual size supposed to be?
Liz says
They took the template down. We don’t have anything to use now.
Beverly New says
If you use the template that came with the article, the 5 x 5 square is way too big for the template. Can you please provide the correct dimensions of the box or indicate that the template should be made larger. HELP!!!!!
David Kehoe says
Template doesn’t fit 8.5″x11′ paper. Beak & tail both cut off.
Jackie says
HI, I make them also but mine are made a little different i wish i could post a picture snail me if you’d like to see one.
Lonell Thorp says
Where are the templates for the other birds
Bobbie Rogers says
Is there some reason the hook is upside down?
CHERYL says
NO TEMPLATE, ONLY ERROR MESSAGE