Invite the vibrant chirps and fascinating sights of nature right into your own backyard. Creating a dwelling for our feathered friends not only offers them a cozy retreat but also grants us the pleasure of their company. Put on crafting a DIY Blue Jay Themed Bird House as a rewarding project that combines the joys of woodworking with the delight of bird watching. This bespoke bird house, with its 1.5-inch entrance, welcomes a variety of birds to nest, while its Blue Jay silhouette adds a decorative touch to your garden or porch.
DIY Blue Jay Themed Bird House Project
Materials Needed
- Pine boards: 2 pieces, each 1”x10”x4’
- LP record (for tracing curves; not a component of the house)
- Round head screws: 5 pieces, 1.5”
- Round head wood screws: 2 pieces, 1”
- Brad or finishing nails: 1,¼” in length
- Large picture hangers: 2 pieces
- Drawer pull: 1 small piece
- Sandpaper: Various grades
- Paints: Medium blue, dark blue, black, white
- Paint brushes
- Templates for wings and tail (provided in the resources)
Tools Required
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Square
- Panel saw (portable) and Jig saw (portable)
- Drill with a variety of bits (⅛”, 1/16”, and 1.5”)
- Scroll saw
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Pencil
Procedure
Shaping the Components
Secure both pine boards together temporarily and measure a 9-inch section from one end using a square for precision. To mark out the curved top, draw a line 2 inches in from each edge, place your LP record aligned to these marks, and trace the semi-circle. Cut along the straight line using a portable panel saw and shape the curve with a portable jig saw.
From the leftover wood, measure and cut out a 9.5-inch section for the roof and a 9-inch section for the front. Mark the center lines on each, and on the front piece, drill a 1.5-inch entrance hole 2 inches from the top and a ⅛-inch ventilation hole near the bottom.
For the back piece, after cutting it to size, center the tail template on the top edge, trace it, and then cut out the profile with your jig saw. Cut the remaining pieces for the bottom and the birdhouse’s head, as well as two pieces for the wings, which you should temporarily tack together.
Crafting Head and Wings
Place the head template on its designated wood piece, mark the eye centers, and make corresponding drill holes—⅛-inch straight through, and ½-inch shallow holes to fit wood plugs. Craft the head shape with the scroll saw and match it up with the roof to mark and pre-drill pilot holes for mounting later.
Apply the wing template to the stacked wing pieces, and using the scroll saw, cut out the wing shapes. Now, give all your pieces a thorough sanding, and secure the wood plugs as eyes on the head piece, using glue if necessary for a snug fit.
Assembly
Start to bring the bird house together by nailing one side to the front section, ensuring the curve aligns with the top and bottom edges. Repeat with the back section, followed by the opposite side, ensuring everything is kept square.
Fix the drawer pull onto the bottom piece as a perch, and temporarily attach the bottom to the house body with screws—it will swing open for cleaning. The top should also be tacked in place at this stage, squaring everything up as you go.
Painting
After a final sanding pass, apply an even coat of medium blue across all external surface areas. Utilize self-priming paint for convenience and add a second layer for durability. Use the provided color guide to add detailed painting, mimicking the Blue Jay’s distinctive patterns on the head and wings.
Final Touches
With painting completed, fasten the head onto the roof using the 1.5” screws. Nail the wings firmly on the sides and re-attach the bottom for functionality. Secure the two picture hangers at the top rear to prepare for mounting your bird house outside.
Install your newly crafted abode on a tree and await the arrival of your avian companions.
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