Making a bluebird house

Blue birds are native to California, but are increasingly threatened by careless development and displacement by more aggressive invading species. Bluebird house, when correctly built can help protect this species.

Materials

• 1 - Redwood fence board 5.5" x 5/8" x 6'
• 20 - Small weatherproof nails
• 1 - 2' weatherproof wood screw
• Small amount of waterproof wood glue

Tools

• Handsaw
• T-square
• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• A few clamps (optional)

Method

1. Trim one end of the board at 90° cutting away any splits that resulted from rapid drying.
2. Cross cut a 6-1/2" length. This is the top.
3. Cross cut a 9-7/8" length. This is the front.
4. Cross cut a 16-1/2" length. This is the back.
5. Cross cut at 24-1/2" length, and rip it at 4". This will become the bottom and the two sides.
6. Cross cut a 4x4 section. To create small drain holes, trim about a 1/4 inch at 45° from each corner. This is the bottom.
7. This will leave a 20-1/2" length. Make both of the following measurements from the same end of this board. On one edge, measure 10-3/4". On the other edge, measure 9-3/4". Mark the diagonal line between these two measurements and cut. Check that both lends are inverted mirrors of each other. ( 9-3/4 inches + 10-3/4 inches = 20-1/2 inches) This will result in the two sides.
8. Drill a 1-1/2" hole near the top of the front.
9. Cut an angle on the top edge of the top so that it fits snugly against the back.
10. Cut an angle on the top edge of the front so that it fits snuggly against the top.
11. Clean and sand all surfaces as needed.
12. Glue and nail all but one side.
13. To create a door for cleaning, drive two nails about 8" from the bottom into the last side from the front and the back. These become the hinges allowing the door to swing open for easy cleaning.
14. Use the wood screw the anchor the bottom of the door. This screw can be removed for cleaning.