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How to Build a Loon Birdhouse

Loons are wetland birds that swim and catch fish on the water's surface, traveling ashore only to nest. Building a birdhouse for loons allows these birds to nest comfortably and provides a safe place for young loons to hatch. The birdhouse should be placed within close proximity to the water and in a raised position, approximately 1 foot higher than ground level. This project is best completed with table saw for cutting, and it is best not to stain or paint the wood to avoid exposing the loons to irritants.

Things You'll Need

Table saw
Safety goggles
Drill
Hinges
Sawdust
Wire
Wood glue
One 1-by-12-inch 12-foot plank of plywood
Four 16-inch, ¼-inch-wide poles

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut the pieces of the birdhouse pieces using a table saw.
  
  Cut the floor, sides, front, back and roof of the birdhouse with the table saw. The floor is a square piece that measures 9-¾-inches on each side. After cutting this piece, drill ¼-inch holes in each corner for poles. Cut the back of the birdhouse to measure 32-by-11-¼ inches. Cut three pieces which each measure 24-by-11-¼ inches -- two for the sides and one for the front. Lastly, cut the roof piece to measure 16-by-11-¼ inches.
- 2
  
  Your birdhouse for loons should be placed within a wetland habitat.
  
  Cut an entrance hole in the front piece; this hole should be 3 inches high and 4 inches wide. The hole should be cut in the center-top area of the front piece. Using wood glue, affix all of the pieces together and attach the poles underneath the floor of the birdhouse. Using hinges, attach the roof to the back of the birdhouse.
- 3
  
  Sawdust provides a warm bed for young loons in the birdhouse.
  
  Place the birdhouse in close proximity to a loon habitat. Plant the poles firmly and evenly in the ground, then add a 3- or 4-inch layer of sawdust on the floor for the loons to nest on. Finally, add bird food in an open container on the bottom of the floor.
- 4
  
  Wiring the roof shut prevents raccoons from entering the birdhouse.
  
  Clean the birdhouse regularly by lifting the roof to access the inside. The sawdust should be changed out as necessary to ensure a clean habitat for the loons. After removing old sawdust, spray the bottom of the floor with an environmentally friendly cleaner and wipe it clean. Consider wiring the roof down if raccoons or other predators threaten the safety of the loons.

Animals & Science