Gourd Bird Houses: The Strange Little House Preferred by Your Backyard Birds

To some, they look a bit like a prop leftover from the set of Gillagan's Island but they're actually a birdhouse created from a gourd. These strange-looking houses have become a cherished nesting spot for a large variety of birds including a dwindling bird species, the purple martin.

Gourd birdhouses can be purchased at a number of retail bird and garden stores throughout the country, but why not make one at yourself? These odd birdhouses are inexpensive to create, they utilize natural materials, most backyard birds prefer them, and no two are ever exactly alike.

The adventure begins with selecting a gourd. There are numerous types of gourds, but the ones preferred for creating birdhouses are actually called "bird house gourds, or "lagenaria." These gourds are larger than many varieties and have a hard shell that is suitable for a busy nest. Gourds can often be found at local farmers markets, pumpkin patches, garden centers, and grocery stores in late summer and fall. Select healthy-looking gourds without soft or diseased spots, and if possible, ones with a 2-3" brown stem attached.

The gourds must be dried before any crafting may begin. Begin by gently washing the exterior of the gourd with a cloth dipped in diluted bleach solution. Lay the gourd on a soft breathable cloth (never use plastic) located in a well-ventilated area, turning often during the next few months until the gourd has completely dried. As the gourd dries, it may develop moldy spots but don't be alarmed. This is part of the normal drying process. Simply wash with additional bleach solution or scrape any stubborn spots with a sharp knife. Gourds signal that they are completely dried when seeds can be heard rattling inside upon shaking.

Next, the exterior of the gourd must be removed. This can be accomplished by scrubbing off the exterior skin using a steel wool pad and a mild bleach solution. Allow the gourd to dry, then sand the surface of the gourd with fine sandpaper to remove any imperfections or surface bumps.

After this step has been completed, drill four " holes in the bottom of the gourd for drainage and ventilation. Also, drill two " holes in the top of the gourd and feed a piece of sturdy wire through these for use as a hanger, hiding the twisted or knotted portion inside, if possible. Hold the gourd by the hanger to determine the best location for the bird's access hole. Make sure

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