Methods of Finishing Exteriors.
As has been before stated, the best finish for the outside of our Bird Houses is bark.
The writer has experimented with various kinds of bark and has obtained the best results with the bark from the cedar.
It is rough enough for the birds to obtain a good foothold upon, it is very artistic in appearance, cuts and bends very easily and can be held with four ounce tacks.
A word should be said here about obtainingthis bark, as it should never be taken from the living tree. Cedar posts are used very much for supports in building and most any contractor or mill man has quantities on hand. These posts most always must have the bark removed, especially the part to show above ground, and the owners, I have found, are glad to have the boys remove the bark from them. Sometimes a fallen cedar will be found in the woods and from it may be obtained all the bark necessary for a number of boxes.
If the whole Bird Box is not to be bark covered it is a good plan to see that the roof is protected by bark.
The remaining portions of the house should be stained or painted a very somber color, such as dull gray, brown, or dark green. Avoid all gloss paints as they reflect light and tend to drive away rather than attract the birds. Bright colors should also be avoided. A nicely constructed Bird Box painted a brilliant red with yellow trimmings or some other equally absurd combination such as the writer has seen, is a travesty on proper Bird House construction. Gloss paints can be dulled by adding turpentine.
Painted or stained houses should be put out at least a month or more before the time for the birds to arrive. This is to weather them and remove all odors. It is a good plan to put out Bird Boxes in the fall if possible, and they are then in excellent shape for spring use. Do not paint or stain Bird Boxes on the inside.
Place the houses in quiet places, away from the direct rays of the sun, high enough to be out of the way of prowling cats or too inquisitive human beings.