Why pay hundreds of pounds for a bird box that could be bought for a tenner? Because it is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that is fit for a King. A bird box for the discerning owner and its lucky occupants.
The craft is in the design with its hidden sliding dovetail joints and no screws used in its construction – other than the removable front panel – it will not warp or pull apart, which is the fate of most bird boxes after a few seasons, and the eggs and chicks are protected from drafts. This is cabinet quality craftmanship normally associated with indoor furniture rather than something that has to endure all weathers outdoors.
Seasoned 1″ thick oak (25 mm) helps maintain a stable internal microclimate and smooths out temperature spikes through the day, and the hardness of oak makes it unnecessary to fit an unsightly metal entrance hole to protect the chicks from predatory woodpeckers. This bird box will support many generation of nesting birds.
Engraved personalization of the front panel raises this gift to a higher level. It could be a quotation that means something special to the recipient; an image or name; or the logo of an organization. The engraving can be stained or coloured with signwriting paint to elevate it further.
Making the bird boxes starts with the selection of oak for each face of the box, paying carefully attention to the grain direction. The complexity of the rear panel’s slots and dovetails makes assembly accurate, but it is the side panels that require the most precision – its dovetails have to be cut with accuracy to ensure a tight fit while allowing for some movement. Each panel is carefully sanded and inspected before assemble. Lastly an oak peg secures the lid the jointed slides and base. The front panel is engraved before being screwed to the box and its holes are plugged with oak dowels. These can be removed for the annual clean-out of nesting material.
