Windows And Birds - (Hillman, MI)

Butch was ready to get started on the bird blind this morning.  We finally got our tails in gear and joined him.

The hardest part was figuring out how many bird viewing windows we wanted, what size they would be, and how high or low to put them.  Linda had the general idea in her head, but we've never done this before.  We were "wingin'" it.  :)

Before we got very far, we got word that a strong storm was coming.  The Sheriff had gotten in touch with the resort and everyone in the RV park was being notified.  Now, after the tragedy at the campground in Arkansas and yesterday's tornado that hit the Fort Trodd RV Park outside of Detroit, we were paying attention.

For those that didn't hear about it, the video of RVs blown over and in the lake is sobering.

We went to our rig, put our satellite dish down and then determined that the trailer wasn't a safe place if the storm was as severe as we had heard.  So we ran out in the pouring rain, hopped in the Jeep, and drove over to the clubhouse for cover.  Of course, by the time we got inside, the whole thing was over.

The worst part of the storm went north of us and it was gone in minutes.  Whew!  :)

It didn't take long for us to be back in the bird blind.

In our 12' x 8' building, we decided to do two windows in each "panel".  One would be horizontal at sitting level and the other would be vertical for standing.  We also decided to place them at different heights.

We measured and re-measured and changed our minds and finally drew twelve blocks on the wall.  Thank goodness Butch was there to cut the windows 'cause it would have driven me insane.  It just ain't my thing.  :)

But good ol' Butch was excited to get his tools out and tackle this project.  He did a great job.

The next step was to take the pieces that he sawed out and attach hinges to them.  We wanted to use the cutouts as window doors.

Linda marked where the hinges should go and Butch attached them.

I did help attach the cutouts to the wall and put in the latches, but it was best that I was just an assistant.  :)

We got it all finished and we're pretty pleased with our work.

And it didn't hurt that we were rewarded with this beautiful Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Now we are thinking about painting the blind green to blend in with the landscape.  We got the paint and brushes.  Now we just have to figure out when we want to start that endeavor.

After a late lunch, I went to play golf.  I was asked to sub in tonight's men's league.  Then, my partner called in with a back injury, so I recruited Ted to sub for him. 

It was cold and blustery and the slow play didn't help.  I didn't hit the ball all that bad, but every little mistake was amplifed by the wind.  We were ready be done after our nine holes.  :)

Well, that's it for another day.  The bird blind is now useable and, as Linda said earlier today, it's satisfying when a vision comes to fruition.  On to tomorrow.  :)

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Comments

[Mary Lou, Franklin Indiana]

I just want to mention something about your bird viewing building. Will you be using glass in the windows, or screen? From experience with Hummingbirds, they can find themselves inside very easily and then they are trapped if someone can't catch them and remove them. Just in case someone should leave a shutter open, just something to think of. We had them get up under our bedroom on the 5th wheel and not be able to fly out from under it (have no idea why), no kidding, I found 2 or 3 dead on our drive way while the 5th wheel was parked. I also had one get under the awning. He was able to find the way out. When they have gotten stuck in our garage while the door was up, we would have to wait until they got weak enough to perch on a broom and bring them down underneath the electric garage door and release them out the opening. I know it sounds crazy but they can get into trouble so quickly, they exert so much energy and can't replenish while looking for an opening. I would hate for you to lose birds in the one place you want to be watching them from.

[klueck]

That's a beautiful picture of the Grosbeak with his red coloring and the blue from the feeder! Good job on the bird blind!

[Gail]

We've had hummingbirds in our garage. They will not fly out even with both doors raised. For some reason, they stay up higher in the garage. We used a 12 foot extended paint roller handle for a perch to help them out. However, barn swallows fly in and out of garages (and barns) all day long.

You might use plexiglass to cover the openings, but screen wire might be better. It would also provide some ventilation. Screen would also prevent wasps from building nests inside.

[Charles Henry]

Howard & Linda,

Even before seeing the other replies, I had decided to comment that fiberglass screen wire will not rust, keep the birds out and it is almost like a one-way glass. It is virtualy impossible for the birds to detect motion looking in.

[David Burville]

I Love the bird blind... this Butch guy is some handyman isn't he!