It’s usually spring when most folks think of putting up a birdhouse, or elementary school teachers ponder projects utilizing birdhouse kits. Truth be told… now is an excellent time for a birdhouse kit project!

As days grow shorter and temperatures dip, most migratory birds are well on their way to southern wintering grounds. But the hard-core resident birds who brave harsh winters would really do best if they had a place to call home too. Installing a new house not only provides a roosting spot on cold nights, but protection from wind & rain, and from predators as well.

Fall is the time to clean out old nests and repair birdhouses if needed. These are high ticket real estate spots for birds during winter. Several birds will huddle together in a birdhouse to stay warm through body heat, and bluebirds especially have been known to do this. Finding a place to roost at night for a bird, is like crawling under your covers at bed time for you. That content, peaceful, and safe feeling you get which allows for your bodies’ rest… it’s universal, with mammals, felines, canines, and even birds! It’s plain instinct.

Another way to help birds through winter is by creating a brush pile in a corner of your yard. These piles give birds a helping hand with protection from the elements and from predators, as they can enter the cover and move about through the small spaces. Generally, larger limbs go on the bottom, with smaller branches or twigs piled on top. And the leaves… oh those messy fall leaves – save them for the brush pile! They contain insects that birds will forage on for the next few months (or until it freezes) depending on your locale. They also add cover and shelter to the brush pile.

Of course heated birdbaths and stocked feeders will keep resident birds at your residence through the coldest weather if the sources are consistent. Home made suet is fairly easy to make and inexpensive, and a real favorite for most birds during cold weather. But the main thing is to put up the vacancy sign, and let birds know they’ve got some swell roosting spots at your place. Fun birdhouse kits are a great way to do that!

By the way, the kit shown above requires no nails or glue. The panels slide together like a puzzle, and it can be stained or painted any way you like. Hey, camouflage is a pretty popular pattern in nature!
Please help house the birds!