Purple martins are a type of swallow that have been a popular backyard bird for centuries. They are known for their aerobatic flight displays, their melodious songs, and their insect-eating habits. Providing a suitable nesting spot for these birds is a great way to encourage them to visit your backyard. Building a purple martin house is an easy and fun project that can be done in a weekend.
Materials Needed
To build a purple martin house you will need the following materials:
- 3/4″ thick pine boards
- 3/4″ thick plywood
- 2″ screws
- 1 1/2″ screws
- Caulking
- Paint
- 2″x4″ posts
- 2″x2″ posts
Steps to Building the House
Once you have all the materials, follow these steps to build your purple martin house:
- Cut the pine boards into four pieces: two side pieces that are 12″ long, and two end pieces that are 19″ long.
- Cut the plywood into two pieces: one for the bottom and one for the top. The top should be 24″ long and 12″ wide, and the bottom should be 24″ long and 10″ wide.
- Drill two holes in each of the side pieces, 1/2″ from the top and bottom.
- Drill two holes in the two end pieces, 1/2″ from the top and bottom.
- Drill two holes in the bottom piece of plywood, 1/2″ from the top and bottom.
- Assemble the frame by screwing the two side pieces to the two end pieces. Use two 2″ screws in each corner.
- Attach the bottom piece of plywood to the frame using two 1 1/2″ screws.
- Attach the top piece of plywood to the frame using two 1 1/2″ screws.
- Caulk around the edges of the plywood pieces to ensure a tight seal.
- Paint the house with a non-toxic paint, preferably in a bright color.
- Attach the two 2″x4″ posts to the back of the house, using four 2″ screws.
- Attach the two 2″x2″ posts to the front of the house, using four 2″ screws.
Installing and Maintaining the House
Once the house is built, it is important to install and maintain it properly. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Choose a location that is close to trees or other structures that purple martins can use to perch on.
- Make sure the house is at least 10 feet off the ground.
- Attach the house to a pole, post, or tree using mounting hardware.
- Clean out the house at the end of the nesting season. This will help prevent the spread of disease.
- Check the house regularly for any signs of damage or decay.
- Provide water and food for the purple martins.
By following these simple steps, you can easily build and install a purple martin house in your backyard. This is a great way to attract these birds and to enjoy their beautiful songs and aerobatic displays.
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