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I made this birdhouse for the Summers Woodworking birdhouse contest. The inside dimensions are about 5"x5"x10" and it has a 1-1/2" hole, which is suitable for bluebirds.

Click here if you would like to watch my YouTube video of this project.

It's made from reclaimed cedar fence boards that I planed down to just under 1/2" thick. I cut mirrors and attached them to the sides with rubber cement and hot melt glue to make it appear invisible.

I understand that birds can be frightened by their reflection and sometimes they crash into windows. To help prevent this, I painted the front entry black and angled the front mirror downward so the bird would not see its reflection.

I hope to capture some video of a bird visiting it sometime. I have not seen any birds using my other birdhouses lately though. It must be a slow time of year for nesting.

It really does appear invisible if you catch it at the right angle. I walked outside once to check on it and thought it had fallen off the tree, but it was still there…I just couldn't see it. Really weird.

Thanks for taking a second to look at my crazy birdhouse! Steve…

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Comments

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186 Posts
Wait is there something there I can't tell LOL

Such a kewl idea great job
 

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That is VERY neat!
 

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That is a birdhouse of a different color. At first I thought it was plexiglass. Awesome idea and work.
 

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I can appreciate what you have done to make sure the bird isn't frightened by its own reflection, but are you sure the bird will be able to find the birdhouse in the first place ;-)
 

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874 Posts
Oh, never mind. I came here looking for a house for invisible birds ;)
 

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I thought it was plexiglass, too. There is a treehouse in Europe with the same idea. Put mirrors on the outside so it looks invisible. That house is coated in some kind of coating so the birds can see it. We can't see it, though. Cool concept.
 

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131 Posts
Cool!

Very innovative idea!
 

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I just use clear spray paint. That's easier than cutting mirrors. Lol
 

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Thanks everybody! I brought it inside since bluebirds don't seem to be using any of my birdhouses right now. I will put it out in Spring to see if they notice it. I'll have to do a follow up and try to get some on video.
 
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