• Decorative Bird Houses,  Uncategorized

    Decorative Bird Houses and Freedom for All

    americana-decorative birdhouseAside from gatherings and bar-b-ques, Memorial Day is a good time to reflect on the freedom we take for granted. Pause for a minute today and think about all those who’ve sacrificed for that freedom we enjoy.

    Pretty much free to do as we please on our own property, gardening, birds and outdoor living spaces are bigger (and better) than ever! Decorative birdhouses not only offer refuge for birds, they can spruce up the landscape and turn a boring spot exciting. If you’re lucky enough to have a pair of nesting birds, watching them fledge can be thrilling.

    Please, please, do not offer a house with a huge gaping entry as it will attract the wrong birds. Are we bird snobs? Heck no, all the usual suspects gather at our place. By “wrong birds” we’re talking the less desirable, non-native species who threaten our native cavity nesters like bluebirds, tree swallows, purple martins and others. These birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and European starlings and English house sparrows threaten their existence daily.

    Ask any martin or bluebird landlord about the horrors of these invasive birds, they actively trap starlings and house sparrows in order for blues and martins to thrive… its the only way, and yes it is legal. If you do a quick search on either of these non-native species, you’ll find blood-curdling stories and some very disturbing images of the havoc they wreak on bluebirds, martins and others. We won’t go into detail here as you’ll see for yourself. And the mess? For heaven’s sake, there’s no nastier bird out there than a starling! This is why several manufactures offer traps specifically for these two species. Sparrow and starling traps are quite popular among anyone hosting a martin colony or bluebirds!

    With an innate sense to reproduce, they kill and maim to access nesting space. So this is where freedom to put up any old decorative birdhouses comes into play. If you have one of those cute styles from the fair, or something a bit whimsical from the craft store- it’s perfectly okay. Just be sure the entry is proportional for the birds you’d like to attract. No gaping huge holes as they entice starlings to nest. The entry should never be at the very bottom of the house either, it makes nestlings easy prey for a slew of predators.

    Yes the holiday weekend is a time to reflect on freedom, please give native songbirds the freedom to nest and raise their young in peace. Because enough predators already exist, and real-estate is scarce out there, offer proper housing for nesting and don’t encourage these non-native birds to your place!

  • Bird Houses,  Decorative Bird Houses,  Dovecote Birdhouse,  Uncategorized,  Vinyl with Copper Roof Birdhouses

    Get Major Curb Appeal with a Dovecote Birdhouse

    five-foot tall dovecote birdhouseGift idea #37 Make it palatial

    It’s got to be the grandaddy of all houses… as far as aesthetics anyway! Standing almost five feet tall and two feet wide, this dovecote birdhouse is a most impressive site when situated in the landscape. It takes some room, we refer to it as “estate size” because its grandeur commands more than just any old spot.

    Martins may take to it if a scout finds its surroundings suitable with plenty of open area and a good distance from trees. Having a pond, lake or nearby stream is also a plus for them. No doubt somebody will be roosting during cold nights prior to spring nesting season, and really, could you blame them? If I were a bird, I’d not only know who to poop on, I’d claim these sweet digs for my own!

    The dovecotes also come with a stunning aged patina roof, but the real beauty in these homes is dovecote bird-houses in vinyl/PVC are maintenance-freethe meticulous construction using vinyl/PVC. You see there’s no wood at all, nothing to rot or deteriorate over time. The material won’t mildew either, and it never requires painting, just a damp cloth with some soap to remove environmental build-up. Heck, you can even take the garden hose to these birdhouses and feeders for a thorough cleaning should the desire strike!

    So maybe this one’s a little too big for the average lot? No worries, they come incrementally sized down to a six-or eight-inch diameter, perfect for chickadees, titmice, bluebirds and other friendly fliers. Your resident birds would be happy to call this residence home and the recipient will absolutely be wowed!

    Save 20% on extreme sizes, 10% on all others through Sunday, November 30th
    Use promo code MC10 at checkout

  • Bird Houses,  Decorative Bird Houses,  Uncategorized

    Thank a Veteran with Patriotic Decorative Bird Houses

    In honor of veterans- patriotic Decorative Bird Houses Gift idea # 44: Go patriotic!

    In honor of Veteran’s Day, here’s a few vintage pieces hand made in Texas… and no two are ever alike! With bird-friendly features, the Americana birdhouse makes a grande accent in the landscape that promises to host many successful broods over the years!

    Decorative bird houses are crafted from vintage materials and reclaimed wood, may be pole or post mounted. Their spirit shines through and each is branded by the artist for a most unique gift.

    For year-round outdoor use, birds will find these houses a cozy roost during the off-season. Nest clean-out is fairly simple by removing two screws on the metal roof and gently lifting. Chickadees, wrens, titmice and other friendly fliers would be happy to call this place home!

    On a more decorative note, large vintage flags provide a most unusual focal point, indoors or in the garden. Also crafted from reclaimed wood, each is unique and signed by Lorenzo. So unique in fact… there’s only one in stock!

    For birding patriots this holiday season, Americana series decorative birdhouses and vintage flag rule!flag