A New Approach to Bird Photography: I've never had much luck taking good photographs of birds, but, somewhat in self defense, I'm not as spry and physically able to take the treks...

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

I've never had much luck taking good photographs of birds, but, somewhat in self defense, I'm not as spry and physically able to take the treks necessary to do such photography. So.... I'm going to "Bring the mountain to Mohammed," so to speak. I'm building a birdhouse (Actually 3) that has 3 stories, plus an attic and a cupola for a total of 16 separate "living quarters" for each one. Also, there will be a bird feeder attached to the side. They will have a 1/4" plywood roof with laminated aluminum on it... for a "tin roof" look. I'm going to place mine on a post outside my office window. I'm going to remove the window screen and have my camera and tripod at the ready. Bring on them birds!

Tom Kelley Loc: Roanoke, Virginia

Dewman wrote:

I've never had much luck taking good photographs o... (show quote)

Very creative, you're a talented Man. I'd love to have one of those. Be sure to post your shots.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Great idea!!
Pat

merrytexan Loc: georgia

Dewman wrote:

I've never had much luck taking good photographs o... (show quote)

wow, i do believe you are quite serious in your pursuing the birds, and talented too from the looks of those houses. what a great project...good luck and i hope you get some fun shots to share with us. :-D

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

What a marvelous project...I envy your talent cuz its hard for me to operate a screwdriver or hammer! Man are you going to enjoy the opportunities you get with this setup.:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Looks good, hope it works. Just add a couple of hummingbird feeders next door

Did you use someone's plans or design them yourself?
You might find a lot of people would like plans if you created it, or post where the plans came from if you didn't.

I would be tempted to do something like that. Except from my DIY phase (book shelves, coffee tables and head boards) several years back I know it takes me about 10X as long and 2X the cost by the time you factor in all the mistakes that went in the fireplace.

Bruce H Loc: Oregon Coast

I like it!

suesart Loc: Sheridan, Wyoming

Very clever!

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

robertjerl wrote:

Looks good, hope it works. Just add a couple of h... (show quote)

Robert, it's my own design. I've made dozens of them in the past. If you'd like, I can post a basic set of plans.... dimensions, material needed, etc. It's actually quit simple. I was a cabinet/furniture maker for several years and I have most of my tools from back then. I use a table saw, brad nailer, drill, miter saw and glue sandpaper. Of course, the more woodworking tools you have, the easier it will be.

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

Yep, I'll be very happy to share any and all photos I get from the use of these bird condos. I'm also going to place some tree branches around it for a more natural look.

merrytexan wrote:

wow, i do believe you are quite serious in your pursuing the birds, and talented too from the looks of those houses. what a great project...good luck and i hope you get some fun shots to share with us. :-D

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

Tom, you'd be amazed at just how simple and easy it is to make them. They can be made out of a lot of scrap.... old fence boards, bits and pieces of plywood.... stuff like that. The more weather worn they are, the better. I didn't have any old stuff, so mine will have to weather naturally. Often, I will "toast" them with a propane torch to give them that "old timey" look.

Tom Kelley wrote:

Very creative, you're a talented Man. I'd love to have one of those. Be sure to post your shots.

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

If any of you decide to try and make one for yourself, I might suggest that you go to your local lumber yard, especially those who cater to cabinet shops, and ask if they have any old "cover sheets" they would sell you, for cheap. They are the 1/4" plywood sheets that are on the top of units of plywood when they are shipped. They will have some blemishes here and there, but.... who cares? They will sell them to you (usually) for $10-$15 for a 4'x8' sheet. That will be more than enough to build one house. Old fence boards work great, too.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Dewman wrote:

Robert, it's my own design. I've made dozens of them in the past. If you'd like, I can post a basic set of plans.... dimensions, material needed, etc. It's actually quit simple. I was a cabinet/furniture maker for several years and I have most of my tools from back then. I use a table saw, brad nailer, drill, miter saw and glue sandpaper. Of course, the more woodworking tools you have, the easier it will be.

Thanks, if it is not too much trouble. I have a few hand tools: circular saw, drills, power screw drivers in three sizes, miter saw etc. I will have to clear the garage and build/buy a work bench. Wife gave it away to make room for shelves to store stuff we haven't used in many years, "We can't give/throw that away it was....")

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Very nice!!! I wish I had a dollar for every bird house I have made. And a dollar for everyone I have given away!! Very nice design on these Dewy!!!! Does the feeder get a top on it?

Dewman Loc: SW Idaho

Yes, Erv.... the entire bird house as well as the feeder and some of the openings are covered with 1/4" plywood that has aluminum flashing laminated to it. It gives is a very "Old timey" look, sorta' like a tin roof on an old barn. Plus, it has proven over the years to be very weather resistant.

Erv wrote:

Very nice!!! I wish I had a dollar for every bird house I have made. And a dollar for everyone I have given away!! Very nice design on these Dewy!!!! Does the feeder get a top on it?