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Making a gourd birdhouse is an easy project which the whole family can be involved in. Gourds can be used to attract a variety of cavity nesters. Gourd houses fit naturally into a backyard garden setting. The natural design of the gourd helps to keep the pesky predators away.

Growing your own gourds is probably the best. One or two vines will produce an abundance of gourds. If growing your own isn't an option there are numerous online suppliers and many craft stores carry them.

Pick the gourd only after the stem has begun to dry out. Dry the gourds in a warm, dark place. Turn the gourds once a week. It should take about two to four months to dry. The seed will be loose and rattle when the gourd has reached the dry state.

Wrap the gourd in a wet towel and let it sit for two days.
Scrape off the outer skin and mold using steel wool and a pairing knife.
Take the dry gourd and drill two opposing holes near the top to run vine, wire or chain for hanging through.
Drill four to six holes in the bottom of the gourd to for drainage.
Using a sharp knife cut an entrance hole.
Clean out seeds and debris from inside the gourd using a stick or the handle of a wooden spoon.
Decorate the gourd by carving relief patterns on the outside.
Gourds are beautiful in their natural colors, and best for birds if not painted though purple martins tend to prefer a gourd that has been painted white.

Hang the gourds and watch the fun began. Most birds prefer a little space between nesting spots so place gourd houses with ten to fifteen feet between them. If you are trying to attract purple martins they will need six to ten houses in a cluster. If the birds you intend to attract need a perch use a one to two inch long piece of 1/4inch dowel or twig and glue just below the entrance hole.

The gourds swinging and shape tend to attract birds while helping to discourage predators.

Different birds prefer different nest heights and locations for gourd house placement. Different sized entrance holes will attract different birds. For the most complete list on these requirements try the American gourd society's chart listing gourd size, entrance hole size and type of bird, along with placement suggestions.

http://www.america ngourdsociety.org/FAQ/birdhous es.html

For help in identifying those birds that come to nest go to
http://ebird.org

Learn more about this author, Betsy Young.
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