Gourd Birdhouse

type size: [A] [A] [A]

Episode: Purple Martins

Purpose: To create a home for purple martins, a bird in the swallow family.

Materials: Telescoping birdhouse pole, cement, post hole digger, level, gourds, 4-inch hole saw, pencil, paper and drafting compass for entrance hole template, 1/8- and 1/4-inch drill bits, small tube of caulk, high-powered rotary tool with cutting bit(s), plastic cleaning port (can be purchased at specialty bird stores), primer and white exterior paint.

Instructions:

Posting the Birdhouse Pole

1) The first part of the project should be completed at least 24 hours in advance of the remaining steps. This will allow the cement to dry.
2) Dig a hole to the prescribed depth of the pole manufacturer's specifications.
3) Mix the cement in a bucket or wheelbarrow.
4) Place the pole sleeve into the hole and fill in the hole, making sure no cement is poured into the sleeve.
5) Use the level to ensure the sleeve is straight.

Adding the Gourds

6) Using your compass, pencil and paper, draw a 3-inch circle on the paper. Cut out the circle and fold it in half to create the entrance hole template for your gourds.
7) Find the center point on the gourd and trace the crescent-shaped entrance on the gourd (flat end down).
8) Using the rotary tool with cutting bit, cut out the entrance hole.
9) Now change the bit to the 1/8-inch drill and drill several drainage holes in the bottom and two holes in the sides for ventilation.
10) Change the bit again to the 1/4-inch drill and make a hole through the top of the gourd for hanging.
11) With the 4-inch hole saw cut out a hole in the back of the gourd opposite the crescent opening and insert the plastic cleaning port.
12) Once the port has been inserted into the gourd, seal it with a thin bead of caulk.
13) Hang the finished gourds in clusters from a telescopic pole, place the pole into the pole sleeve and raise the pole up, locking it into place.