Functional Birdhouses

Functional Birdhouses

Many birdhouses are cute and decorated appealingly, but lack features needed to make them functional for your feathered friends. Birds can be very picky when it comes to choosing where to build their nests.

Birdhouses don't have to be fancy, in fact birds prefer houses that are simply made. Plain wood with a light coat of weatherproof stain or latex paint will do just fine. It's best to buy one that opens up for easy cleaning. Birds like a clean house to start their nests each spring. Some type of extension in front of the entry hole will make the hole to deep and will offer protection from intruders. A perch is also important for sitting on while feeding the youngsters.

Height above the ground also needs to be considered. Different birds require and prefer to be higher up than others. Always hang birdhouses high enough to prevent predators from jumping onto them from below. Sometimes no matter what you do, birds will still fall prey to an over head flying hawk.

Birds not using birdhouses for nesting, will often build in openings or knots in decaying trees or rocky crevices. These places don't offer much in the way of protection for the birds and often become prey for racoons or opossum.

Birdhouses can be multi - tiered, a mansion style for the purple martins or wall or post- mounted. Some are made using gourds, hollowed out from a log or even woven from willow tree branches and made into a basket. Bring birds to your backyard haven and preserve some of nature. Which ever birdhouse theme or style you choose... remember all things in nature need some place to call home!

The Soothing Sounds of Wind Chimes

Just like the beautiful sounds of birds chirping on a early spring morning, wind chimes can produce the same hypnotic feeling. The sounds can promote relaxation and may even reduce stress. Some people in Asia consider the wind chime to bring them good luck.


There are various types and sizes of wind chimes on the market today. They range in price from a few dollars to several hundred depending on the quality. Basically the wind chime is made up of four different parts. The center part is the clapper, which can be made of wood or metal. The second part is the chime or tube, and these are usually arranged in a circular fixture and suspended by cord or string. The platform is the third part and like the clapper can be made of wood or metal. The last part of the wind chime is sometimes referred to as the weight. It hangs down through the center with string and also can be made of wood, metal or even plastic.


Depending on the tone and sound you want from your wind chime will be determined on the size and length of the tubes. Solid chimes will produce a different sound compared to hollow ones. Another factor is the material the chimes themselves are made from. Some research may be useful before purchasing your wind chime. Find the right wind chime that will produce the best pleasing sound to your ear!