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Audubon Birdhouse Book: Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds
A visit to almost any home or garden center presents birders with numerous cute and colorful contraptions that are sold as bird homes. But the fact is, many of these products provide anything but a safe refuge for your feathered friends. Produced in association with the National Audubon Society, Audubon Birdhouse Book explains how to build and place functional DIY bird homes that are safe and appropriate for more than 20 classic North American species, from wrens to raptors. Each of the easy-to-build boxes and shelves within is accompanied by cut lists, specially created line diagrams, and step-by-step photography, making the projects accessible to those with even the most rudimentary woodworking skills. In addition, this practical and beautifully presented guide is packed with color photography and information about the bird species covered—including titmice, chickadees, nuthatches, phoebes, swallows, waterfowl, and even kestrels and owls—to help the reader properly place and maintain the homes to attract birds. And because these projects are the product of years of experience and field-testing, you can be sure you’re getting the best advice regarding proper design, safe construction materials, and correct home placement to mitigate exposure to elements, pests, and predators. Finally, beyond the birdhouses, you’ll find out how you can contribute to the larger birding community and even enhance your birding experience with the aid of new technologies.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
89 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 4, 2021
This is a very detailed, helpful guide to building and maintaining bird houses. It includes plans for a wide variety of bird houses for various birds, plus information on how to protect them from predators (no perches, site near brush, etc.) and maintain them. I learned a lot, including why so many of the ones on the market are terrible for birds and put them at risk. The plans are simple and designed for each specific bird. They are houses that you don't need much in terms of experience, tools or supplies to construct. There are lots of color photos throughout. It's altogether a fantastic guide.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
May 16, 2022
I originally borrowed this book from our local public library to read because of my strong and longtime interest in birds and bird watching. After I began reading the book, I realized what a perfect selection this is for families, classroom teachers, church groups, youth groups, and scouting groups to use as a launching point for some hands-on projects to work on together.
The first two chapters in this book provide a strong foundation for understanding why bird houses are so important. A discussion about climate change and how it impacts birds is followed by some ideas on how to garden to benefit birds.
In Chapter 2, I learned a lot about why migratory birds benefit from bird houses, too. There are several ideas given for how to protect birds from predators such as cats, snakes, and raccoons.
Chapter 3 provides information and building plans for more than a dozen bird species that are found around the United States such as wrens, bluebirds, owls, swallows, flickers, chickadees, ducks, warblers, etc. This chapter provides in-depth information about each species such as their range, field marks, voice, feeding, nesting, etc. Diagrams and stepped-out photographs are provided for an appropriate nesting box for each species.
Chapter 4 presents information about birds outside of boxes such as doves, robins, finches, phoebes, owls (burrowing), loons, herons, ospreys, etc. Plans for nesting shelves or platforms for these species are provided along with the same type of information mentioned in the previous paragraph about the habits, etc., of these birds.
The final chapter of the book gives ideas on how to help birds in need. Symptoms of injury and illness are given along with simple ways people can help.
You probably won't be surprised to learn that the photographs in this book are excellent! Highly-recommended for families, classroom teachers, church groups, youth groups, and scouting groups.
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The first two chapters in this book provide a strong foundation for understanding why bird houses are so important. A discussion about climate change and how it impacts birds is followed by some ideas on how to garden to benefit birds.
In Chapter 2, I learned a lot about why migratory birds benefit from bird houses, too. There are several ideas given for how to protect birds from predators such as cats, snakes, and raccoons.
Chapter 3 provides information and building plans for more than a dozen bird species that are found around the United States such as wrens, bluebirds, owls, swallows, flickers, chickadees, ducks, warblers, etc. This chapter provides in-depth information about each species such as their range, field marks, voice, feeding, nesting, etc. Diagrams and stepped-out photographs are provided for an appropriate nesting box for each species.
Chapter 4 presents information about birds outside of boxes such as doves, robins, finches, phoebes, owls (burrowing), loons, herons, ospreys, etc. Plans for nesting shelves or platforms for these species are provided along with the same type of information mentioned in the previous paragraph about the habits, etc., of these birds.
The final chapter of the book gives ideas on how to help birds in need. Symptoms of injury and illness are given along with simple ways people can help.
You probably won't be surprised to learn that the photographs in this book are excellent! Highly-recommended for families, classroom teachers, church groups, youth groups, and scouting groups.
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January 27, 2021
Birdhouses for all sorts of different birds! I have a bunch of bird feeders and love watching all the local birds come and go and have, recently, been looking around at bird houses to put out before Spring, and honestly, I had no idea different birds required different sizes and shapes of bird houses. I mean, it makes sense, you can't house a kestrel or an owl in your basic box-shaped birdhouse! But seriously, this is a great resource if you're looking to make your own birdhouses, especially if you want to tailor it to your local birds. I'm looking forward to building my own Flicker box!
February 15, 2021
Talk about excellent timing as bird watching has become more important this past year. This book is so inspiring, so lovely and very practical. Not only does it address climate change, keeping away predators and planting native plants to attract birds but focuses is on creating specific homes and roost boxes for our beloved friends with detailed instructions, measurements and photographs.
Zonal maps and nesting details/requirements are included as well. There are comparatively fewer birds in our northern Canada zone but this book is still very helpful for its information. The nest box designs are fantastic! I had no idea there was a specific triangular Lucy's Warbler nest box. We have flickers we'd love to have nest here and the nesting box in this book is brilliant! The L-shaped platform for barn swallows is so simple yet genius. Placing a cinder block into the entrance of a burrowing owl's home is equally genius. We don't have chimney swifts here but how I'd love to see them and their towers! It's so impossible to believe that chickadees overwinter in our -40C climate but they do. I often want to give them a more comfortable and protected place to roost.
If you're just developing an interest in birds or have been passionate about them for years, do read this book. Even if you do not plan on building nesting boxes or roosts for them there is a lot of information here. At the back of the book is a section on ornithology resources and organizations.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring book!
Zonal maps and nesting details/requirements are included as well. There are comparatively fewer birds in our northern Canada zone but this book is still very helpful for its information. The nest box designs are fantastic! I had no idea there was a specific triangular Lucy's Warbler nest box. We have flickers we'd love to have nest here and the nesting box in this book is brilliant! The L-shaped platform for barn swallows is so simple yet genius. Placing a cinder block into the entrance of a burrowing owl's home is equally genius. We don't have chimney swifts here but how I'd love to see them and their towers! It's so impossible to believe that chickadees overwinter in our -40C climate but they do. I often want to give them a more comfortable and protected place to roost.
If you're just developing an interest in birds or have been passionate about them for years, do read this book. Even if you do not plan on building nesting boxes or roosts for them there is a lot of information here. At the back of the book is a section on ornithology resources and organizations.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring book!
March 25, 2017
I am so glad that I was able to obtain a copy of this book as it is full of so much information and tips for bird lovers.
Did you know that purchasing those cute little heavily painted or lacquered premade birdhouses may be toxic or dangerous to a bird's health, or might give easy access to predators? Dark colors can cause overheating of the birds? There is discussion about perches, entry hole sizes for different species of birds, nest boxes made of cardboard, coffee cans, proper location of houses, etc. For me the information on predator protectors was of utmost importance. There are bird house plans included in the book and you will learn exactly which type of nest box is recommended for each type of bird. There are many photographs of babies in the actual houses and a lot of research that was done by the Audobon Society regarding the best type of nest box is also included. Such an invaluable book!!
Did you know that purchasing those cute little heavily painted or lacquered premade birdhouses may be toxic or dangerous to a bird's health, or might give easy access to predators? Dark colors can cause overheating of the birds? There is discussion about perches, entry hole sizes for different species of birds, nest boxes made of cardboard, coffee cans, proper location of houses, etc. For me the information on predator protectors was of utmost importance. There are bird house plans included in the book and you will learn exactly which type of nest box is recommended for each type of bird. There are many photographs of babies in the actual houses and a lot of research that was done by the Audobon Society regarding the best type of nest box is also included. Such an invaluable book!!
September 12, 2020
What a wonderful resource!
I have for years lived with Bluebirds and provided a nesting box for them, but knew little about the responsibilities that should go along with Bluebird support. This book has great information about Bluebirds, and many more birds. More than just a "how-to-make" birdhouses for those birds, you will find pretty comprehensive coverage of bird life cycles, habitat and nesting. I borrowed this book, but, have placed it on my "must purchase" list. Wow! Great book for wild bird lovers!
I have for years lived with Bluebirds and provided a nesting box for them, but knew little about the responsibilities that should go along with Bluebird support. This book has great information about Bluebirds, and many more birds. More than just a "how-to-make" birdhouses for those birds, you will find pretty comprehensive coverage of bird life cycles, habitat and nesting. I borrowed this book, but, have placed it on my "must purchase" list. Wow! Great book for wild bird lovers!
September 21, 2023
Got from the library but going to have to buy this one to have! A very indepth look at how to tailor bird boxes to actually benefit the birds you want to attract. This feels like a course on birding in a book! Also gives detailed information about when the species nest, fledge and abandon nests, how to clean nests, how to prevent predators and where to hang feeders based on bird biology! Now I just have to get better at my woodworking skills!
November 24, 2018
More than just birdhouses. Good information about the birds that use them. Good construction instructions. Looking forward to selecting a house to build after I survey the local wildlife. I am concerned about having a birdhouse with a houseful of curious cats.
January 16, 2024
Amazing 5 star read
I learned a huge amount of information about typical North American birds. In depth information on each species is presented, along with how to build houses for each species.
The additional information resources and links in the book are hugely helpful.
I learned a huge amount of information about typical North American birds. In depth information on each species is presented, along with how to build houses for each species.
The additional information resources and links in the book are hugely helpful.
September 28, 2020
Nice Book. Good information and basic plans for many different birdhouses. This book is a great resource book.
Want to read
October 17, 2024Dewey 690.8927 B243a 2021
March 14, 2021
The Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated, is an invaluable resource to put on the bookshelves of anyone who is an avid birder or anyone who is the least bit handy working with wood and tools who would like to help out the birds. While reading the book in an electronic format is not ideal because the articles break over several pages and it can be hard to flip back and forth, the book is definitely worth the effort. The book takes you through why birds need our help and discusses how we can help them. Beginning in chapter 3, we are given a thorough view of how to build the homes the birds so desperately need and a brief overview of the birds using the designs we are building. The designs are laid out so simply, I believe anyone with the least bit of wood working knowledge could assemble them. In fact, I believe I could even assemble them, and I only have a basic understanding of how to use a saw or a drill. Also, the book gives information on where and how to mount the birdhouses you build to make them safe from predators, which is vital information.
The book shows you each bird’s “livable” range—in other words, where they live at some time during the year—and gives information on how to identify each bird species that we are building homes for. The range maps are taken from the Birds of the World (BOW) database from the Cornell Lab or Ornithology, so we know they are dependable. This is by no means a comprehensive list of birds and information about them, but it is extremely handy for the beginning birder. Since we know which houses attract which birds, and we know the bird’s range to show if they will be living in our area, we can fine tune our efforts to attract a certain species. If we desire more information about a specific bird after that, we can always get a book that is directed toward that species or we can peruse the internet to learn all about them.
The bottom line is, I want a copy of this book for my bookshelf. It checks off all the boxes for me. It tells about bird conservation, shows what birds are in need of assistance, shows how to assist them, and it gives some information about the bird species for us to use as we watch birds come to our newly built accommodations. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy today and start building homes that are safe and attractive for our feathered friends.
The book shows you each bird’s “livable” range—in other words, where they live at some time during the year—and gives information on how to identify each bird species that we are building homes for. The range maps are taken from the Birds of the World (BOW) database from the Cornell Lab or Ornithology, so we know they are dependable. This is by no means a comprehensive list of birds and information about them, but it is extremely handy for the beginning birder. Since we know which houses attract which birds, and we know the bird’s range to show if they will be living in our area, we can fine tune our efforts to attract a certain species. If we desire more information about a specific bird after that, we can always get a book that is directed toward that species or we can peruse the internet to learn all about them.
The bottom line is, I want a copy of this book for my bookshelf. It checks off all the boxes for me. It tells about bird conservation, shows what birds are in need of assistance, shows how to assist them, and it gives some information about the bird species for us to use as we watch birds come to our newly built accommodations. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy today and start building homes that are safe and attractive for our feathered friends.
June 17, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Audubon Birdhouse Book is a reformat and re-release of the Audubon classic. Originally published in 2013, this updated edition released by Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint is 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such an accessible and useful guide with no-frills plans for useful, purpose built, high quality, healthy houses for birds. There are no furbelows, no twee painting, and no questionable materials. Each of the tutorials include information about the habitat and species for which they're intended. The authors have included siting and maintenance information as well.
The graphics are high contrast, easy to read, and the tutorials are well illustrated. The introduction includes information about climate change and its impact on bird habitat and range. The most common North American species are introduced along with some info about their ranges and nesting habits.
Tutorials contain isometric and exploded line drawn schematics as well as materials lists and design background details, followed by step by step tutorial directions. The projects are full of good ideas and variations to make them more specifically useful to individual readers' own needs.
Five stars. This is a very good book for birdwatchers, ecology minded gardeners, smallholdings, community groups, maker's spaces, schools, library activity groups, and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Audubon Birdhouse Book is a reformat and re-release of the Audubon classic. Originally published in 2013, this updated edition released by Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint is 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is such an accessible and useful guide with no-frills plans for useful, purpose built, high quality, healthy houses for birds. There are no furbelows, no twee painting, and no questionable materials. Each of the tutorials include information about the habitat and species for which they're intended. The authors have included siting and maintenance information as well.
The graphics are high contrast, easy to read, and the tutorials are well illustrated. The introduction includes information about climate change and its impact on bird habitat and range. The most common North American species are introduced along with some info about their ranges and nesting habits.
Tutorials contain isometric and exploded line drawn schematics as well as materials lists and design background details, followed by step by step tutorial directions. The projects are full of good ideas and variations to make them more specifically useful to individual readers' own needs.
Five stars. This is a very good book for birdwatchers, ecology minded gardeners, smallholdings, community groups, maker's spaces, schools, library activity groups, and similar.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 14, 2021
Talk about excellent timing as bird watching has become more important this past year. This book is so inspiring, so lovely and very practical. Not only does it address climate change, keeping away predators and planting native plants to attract birds but focuses is on creating specific homes and roost boxes for our beloved friends with detailed instructions, measurements and photographs.
Zonal maps and nesting details/requirements are included as well. There are comparatively fewer birds in our northern Canada zone but this book is still very helpful for its information. The nest box designs are fantastic! I had no idea there was a specific triangular Lucy's Warbler nest box. We have flickers we'd love to have nest here and the nesting box in this book is brilliant! The L-shaped platform for barn swallows is so simple yet genius. Placing a cinder block into the entrance of a burrowing owl's home is equally genius. We don't have chimney swifts here but how I'd love to see them and their towers! It's so impossible to believe that chickadees overwinter in our -40C climate but they do. I often want to give them a more comfortable and protected place to roost.
If you're just developing an interest in birds or have been passionate about them for years, do read this book. Even if you do not plan on building nesting boxes or roosts for them there is a lot of information here. At the back of the book is a section on ornithology resources and organizations.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring book!
Zonal maps and nesting details/requirements are included as well. There are comparatively fewer birds in our northern Canada zone but this book is still very helpful for its information. The nest box designs are fantastic! I had no idea there was a specific triangular Lucy's Warbler nest box. We have flickers we'd love to have nest here and the nesting box in this book is brilliant! The L-shaped platform for barn swallows is so simple yet genius. Placing a cinder block into the entrance of a burrowing owl's home is equally genius. We don't have chimney swifts here but how I'd love to see them and their towers! It's so impossible to believe that chickadees overwinter in our -40C climate but they do. I often want to give them a more comfortable and protected place to roost.
If you're just developing an interest in birds or have been passionate about them for years, do read this book. Even if you do not plan on building nesting boxes or roosts for them there is a lot of information here. At the back of the book is a section on ornithology resources and organizations.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this inspiring book!
January 25, 2021
Attention birdwatchers, feeders of our feathered friends and crafty DIY's! THIS is the book you'll want to add to your library. I found the Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated by Margaret Barker and Elissa Wolfson to be full of useful information on many of the birds I watch from my New England windows. The color pictures are completely helpful in the identification of many birds along with useful information on the species such as range, markings, voice and feeding. Nesting box preferences such as placement and egg laying are also discussed. This leads up to the best part and probably the reason most of us will acquire this book, the birdhouse building plans. These are user friendly designs with easily sourced materials that even a beginner woodworker would be able to complete. Along with diagrams, there are step by step color photos to follow along with. ensuring success and happy birds!
I came across some very helpful information regarding birds that prefer open houses or nesting wire and look forward to adding some to my yard (hear that, Morning Doves?). This book is going to make a great gift this year for Fathers Day. My husband is an avid feeder of our feathered friends who will surly get to work on the Owl Boxes ASAP.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for the opportunity to read and review this electronic ARC. I absolutely loved it and gladly recommend it!
I came across some very helpful information regarding birds that prefer open houses or nesting wire and look forward to adding some to my yard (hear that, Morning Doves?). This book is going to make a great gift this year for Fathers Day. My husband is an avid feeder of our feathered friends who will surly get to work on the Owl Boxes ASAP.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press for the opportunity to read and review this electronic ARC. I absolutely loved it and gladly recommend it!
February 5, 2021
Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated: Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds by Margaret A. Barker & Elissa Wolfson
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies | Outdoors & Nature
Release Date: April 13, 2021
Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated: Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds by Margaret A. Barker & Elissa Wolfson is a wonderful resource for helping the birds in your area.
I am blessed with a variety of bird species in my area and love to watch them fly around & hear them sing. I try to ensure there is plenty of food options for them and make water available when needed. I've heard that different kinds of birds need different types of housing, so I was hesitant to build or buy anything. Thanks to this book, I'll be able to offer my birds a safe place to rest!
This book is filled with so much information and plans for the different types of bird boxes. I love how there is information about the types of birds and where they are found in the United States. I feel more confident that I will be able to help my birds!
I definitely recommend this book! There is so much quality information, great pictures, and easy to follow plans & instructions.
I'm so grateful to Margaret A. Barker & Elissa Wolfson, Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies | Outdoors & Nature
Release Date: April 13, 2021
Audubon Birdhouse Book, Revised and Updated: Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds by Margaret A. Barker & Elissa Wolfson is a wonderful resource for helping the birds in your area.
I am blessed with a variety of bird species in my area and love to watch them fly around & hear them sing. I try to ensure there is plenty of food options for them and make water available when needed. I've heard that different kinds of birds need different types of housing, so I was hesitant to build or buy anything. Thanks to this book, I'll be able to offer my birds a safe place to rest!
This book is filled with so much information and plans for the different types of bird boxes. I love how there is information about the types of birds and where they are found in the United States. I feel more confident that I will be able to help my birds!
I definitely recommend this book! There is so much quality information, great pictures, and easy to follow plans & instructions.
I'm so grateful to Margaret A. Barker & Elissa Wolfson, Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2014
I loved this book! Great short summaries of common backyard birds and excellent explanations about what type of house to build for each species.
February 24, 2016
Absolutely love this book.
August 17, 2016
PERFECT book for anyone looking to build backyard birdhouses! I got many, many designs for the birds that frequent my yard and cannot wait to begin building!
November 7, 2016
Very educational and full of patterns, I will be busy getting ready for springtime! Borrowed from the local library.
July 1, 2021
Good resource. While I’m primarily interested in attracting bluebirds I scanned the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews