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appropriately for the type of bird desired for the house, and that the hole is parallel to the ground rather than pointing skyward or toward the ground.

Using a hole saw or craft knife cut the entrance hole into the gourd using the reference guide below for sizing, then carefully scrape interior clean.

Crested Flycatcher 2"
Bluebird 1-1/2"
Titmouse 1-1/4"
Nuthatch 1" to 1-1/4"

Carolina Wren 1-1/2"
Swallow 1-1/2"
Downy Woodpecker 1-1/4"
Hairy Woodpecker 1-1/2"
Purple Martin 1-1/2"
Flicker 2-1/2"
Red-Headed Woodpecker 2"

Birdhouses may be brushed with water-based paint or left natural. Houses must be protected with a brush-on or spray polyurethane sealant. If desired, an additional hole may be drilled below the entrance for insertion of a wooden dowel perch.

After the gourd's sealant has dried, it may be hung out to await its first feathered guests. Gourds can be hung singly or in multiples (as preferred by purple martins) and may be anchored with additional wire for those species of birds that don't care to be jostled about.

Creating gourd birdhouses can be a thrifty hobby for all ages and is an excellent pastime for the gardening enthusiast during those off-season fall and winter months. The effort is well worth the reward of that first family of nesting birds, courtesy of a simple gourd and time well spent.

Learn more about this author, Di Reiter.
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