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Whether you live in the country or you live in the city, you can create the type of atmosphere, which will attractive birds. Bird houses will help you create the atmosphere needed to attract a variety of bird species to your yard.

The bird houses on the market today have taken on a new and improved look. When looking for the traditional bird house of old, you may find they have evolved to look like an old timey fire station, a beach bungalow, a farmer's market, a thatched roof cottage, or even a church with several steeples. If you don't want a traditional looking bird house and would prefer an unconventional look, you will find bird houses make from a polyresin in the shape of a cow, or a red hat, or even an alligator. There are many different types of bird houses on the market today. You will even see some made from metal.

Even though you want your bird house to look attractive, you will also want it to be comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof. If you choose a wooden waterproof bird house, you will want to ensure the paint used on the bird house is not toxic. The bird house you choose should have two cavities with two entrance holes. One entrance will be for nesting and the other for roosting. This will entice the birds to prolong their stay in the bird house. The entrance holes should be large enough for birds to get into, but small enough to keep out the predators.

The bird house needs to have good insulation as well as be will ventilated. The temperature inside the bird house should stay a moderate temperature summer or winter. The bird house needs to be cool in the summer heat and warm in the winter. The roof of the birdhouse needs to be slanted to allow rainwater to drain. Small holes just under the roof line allows for good air flow. This will help keep the birds free from mites and other parasites. The hole in the floor of the bird house is to allow for drainage. If water is allowed to sit on the floor of the birdhouse, it invites parasites and diseases.

You also want to choose a bird house, which can be easily cleaned. Most bird houses are accessible for cleaning from the top, front, side or bottom of the house. The top opening is the least likely to disturb the nesting birds, while the bottom opening is more likely to allow the nest to fall out. It is important to give the bird houses a regular cleaning to prevent mites and parasites from accumulating and create problems for the health of the birds.

You want the birds to feel safe and comfortable in their bird house so they will want to remain in the bird house as long as possible and return every season. Birds are looking for a place to nest and raise their young. By providing them with a bird house they will return to you will be able to watch them year after year.

As a bird watcher, if you want to attract a specific species of bird, you need to be aware of the types of bird houses they prefer. For instance the Purple Martins are comfortable with nesting houses which is built for several families of birds, while some prefer a nesting area where they are alone.