Hummingbird House

by radar518 in Outside > Birding

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Hummingbird House

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After seeing some craft show houses, I decided to try my hand at some hummingbird houses. Mine reuse some cedar poles, from a clearing job.
Material list is short:
Cedar post or log
wood glue
small dowel or stick
Tool list:
chop saw
3/4" forstner bit
1 1/2" forstner bit
drill press or drill
clamp

Cut Blocks

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Using your saw, cut a piece about 1/2". Next, cut a piece about 4" to 5". The first piece should sit on the end that it was cut from. Note, always you eye protection when using tools.

Drill the Inside Hole, the "living Room".

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It will be much easier to use a drill press, for this. Set your drill depth to stop at least 1/2" from the bottom. This can be a slow process. Take your time and don't rush. Once the center hole is drilled, change to the smaller 3/4" bit. Drill the door hole a little higher than halfway to the top. Depending on the dowel or stick you use, you will need to drill a hole under the door. Don't drill all the way through, if you can avoid it.

Glue Pieces

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Using your wood glue, place a bead around the top of the house. Place the thin piece on top. Adjust the placement so that the house looks like one piece.
Put a little glue on the dowel, or stick, and place it into the small hole, for a perch.

Hang It Up!

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After the glue dries, decide how you want to hang it. You can use a small eye screw and a length of small chain.
Find a good spot to hang it. Possibly near a feeder. That's not all. Hummingbirds use small strings, feathers, dryer lint, and hair to build their nests. You can brush a pet, clean the lint trap, or clean a hair brush to get these items. When you fo, place them on branches near the house. The birds will find them and place them on the house. Good luck!