Window Bird House – Nestbox

I spotted a window birdhouse nest box a while back and thought it would be a fantastic project to undertake. After gifting my dad one for Christmas last year, I was inspired to make one myself. I explored a few different designs and ultimately decided to follow a plan from the book: Bird-Friendly Nest Boxes and Feeders: 12 Easy-To-Build Designs that Attract Birds to Your Yard. I did make a few adjustments to the dimensions to better fit my needs, and I added suction cups to the back so I could attach it directly to a window.

For the clear plastic, I used sheets sized at 5×7, which you can easily find at most stores that sell picture frames. I had some leftover plastic sheets from a previous project and managed to cut them down to size using my table saw. While I’m not certain if there’s a “best practice” for cutting plastic sheets, my method worked well enough.

This project is a great weekend activity! If you follow the plan in the book, it typically shows how to hang the feeder in a traditional manner. However, I thought placing it on my daughter’s window would be both fun and educational for her. After completing this one, I’ll probably need to make another for my son’s window, too!

Here are some tips if you’re considering making your own window birdhouse:

• Choose the Right Location: Position the birdhouse on a window that faces a safe area, free from heavy traffic and predators. This will encourage birds to visit regularly.
• Secure Attachment: Use strong suction cups or brackets to attach the birdhouse securely. Clean the window surface well to ensure maximum adhesion.
• Ventilation and Drainage: Include small ventilation holes and drainage holes at the bottom to keep the interior dry and comfortable for the birds.
• Bird-Friendly Materials: Use untreated wood or safe plastics to ensure the birdhouse is safe for feathered friends. Avoid toxic finishes or materials.
• Educational Opportunity: Set up a birdwatching station nearby where your kids can observe and learn about the different bird species that come to visit.

If you decide to make one of these window birdhouses, I’d love to hear about your experience!  Don’t forget to check out my attempt at creating a video tutorial on how to make this project. If you build one, be sure to share it over on the WoodLogger Facebook Page. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!

Materials

For the lumber I used Cedar that I purchased from Lowe’s.  I was able to do the whole thing using only 1 board.  For the back I used a scrap piece of plexiglass that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  The opening is 5″x7″  so you can find a pre-cut piece pretty easily at most stores.  I used an exterior rated glue with all my joints(except the bottom).  To hang the house I attached 4 suction cups to back.  My house will hang from a window.  I was able to build the entire project for under $25.

• (1) 1″ x 8″ x 6′ Cedar Board
• (1) 5″ x 7″ plexiglass – back
• (4) Suction Cups with screws

Milling & Assembly

	To start on this project I cut all of my pieces according to the plan.  I then cut the sides of the house with a 45° edge for the roof line.  Then I cut a 1/8″ deep groove 1/4″ in from the side.After that I cut the front of the house at a 45° angle to create the roof line.
	After cutting the roof lines on the front of the house I then drilled an entry hole.  I used a 1-1/4″ fostner bit for this.For the back of the house I cut a scrap piece of plexiglass down a 5″x7″ size.
	When I started the assembly I started by attaching the sides to the bottom of the house using 1-1/4″ screws.  I didn’t apply any glue so that I could remove it in the future to clean it out.After I attached the sides to the bottom I simply slid the back into the grooves.
	For the front of the house I used exterior rated glue.  I also tacked the front down using brads.
	After everything was assembled I drill five holes in the bottom of the house.  This is for drainage in case any water gets inside.  In hind sight I should have drilled the holes before final assembly.
	Here is the completed house with four suction cups attached to the back.  I mounted it to a window and I’m really surprised by how strong the suction cups are.

Finishing

I made this house of cedar so it’ll age just fine outside.  I attached suction cups that had screws with them.  I bought a kit for that and it attached very securely to my window.