Birdhouses
A birdhouse is an artificial home that is provided for birds to live and nest in. Most people choose to place them in areas close to their homes to attract birds and other wild life to their surroundings. Birdhouses are extremely popular with bird watchers because it allows them to study their habits, rituals and life styles. Like humans, birds have their own unique traits and habits and many researchers and bird watchers find it fascinating to watch birds carry out daily activities. Houses built for birds also provide many birds with shelter when they would otherwise have none and protect them from the elements and larger predators. Another common way to use a house is for decoration; both indoors and out.
The first birdhouses ever recorded were made in the Netherlands out of clay and dirt. Writings indicate that these houses were used to house the hatchlings or eggs of a bird that was killed for food. The birds were nurtured to full health within the houses and released when they were grown. The first houses used for observation were constricted in England during the 19th century. These wooden next boxes were placed in areas where they could be constantly monitored so the interactions of birds could be observed. Since this study there have been numerous studies all over the world incorporating nesting boxes to observe the actions of birds. It is because of these studies that it is possible for us to have domesticated pet birds in our homes. These studies helped us better understand the needs and innate desires of birds; enabling us to take proper care of them if necessary.
While the first birdhouses were made simply out of wood there have been many new renovations to bird homes. Mediums such as cement, plastic, plaster and even metal have been used to create different kinds of houses. All of these different mediums tend to attract different types of birds form the wild. Additionally the design of the house greatly influences the types of birds that are attracted. Many birds next in different ways; some nests being shallow and large, others being deep and small. To attract a specific type of bird you should purchase or design a birdhouse that reflects the overall shape of the birds nest in nature. This raises the probability that the type of bird you are looking to observe will be attracted to your house.
However there are birdhouses that are designed merely for decoration. These houses can be made from an array of different mediums; usually wood or metal. They are decorated in elaborate ways from Victorian era molding to rustic looking paint and even detailed decoration soldered into the wood. Regardless of the style of birdhouse you choose there are endless ways and possibilities for decoration. Whether you are looking to decorate a bedroom, a bathroom or a common area in your home; birdhouses are a great theme. You can design a birdhouse around practically any theme as well; so if you are looking for a new decoration for your already themed room a birdhouse is a great idea. They can appear rustic, modern, Victorian and the wood can even be painted to match any color theme out there.