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BUILDING FOR NEW RESIDENTS
by James R. Sampel
THOSE OF US WHO ARE FORTUNATE to have a residence at Ten Mile Lake know how much enjoyment we derive by observing the many different "moods" the lake itself undergoes throughout the season, ranging from the pristine beauty of the azure blue water on a clear day to the wild and furious churning we encounter during a summer storm. Year round residents extend their enjoyment to include the ice over and ice out through the winter months. However, our spectator enjoyment doesn't have to end there if we reach out to our feathered friends. Our enjoyment can be enhanced since we are in the midst of a national forest where many birds share the environment with us. However, birds tend to be a little shy around us unless we encourage them. This encouragement can occur if we welcome them by building suitable residences for them - rent free. Carroll Henderson of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has published a text, Woodworking for Wildlife, which includes plans and specifications for building a variety of bird houses. TMLA has received permission to make several of these plans available to our members. We have selected the following houses:
- House wren, Chickadee, Nuthatch
- Bluebird
- Robin, Phoebe
- Wood Duck, Merganser, Golden Eye
- Tree Swallow
- Purple Martin
BUILDING ANY OF THESE HOUSES involves only a small amount of time and money, but the spectator pleasure you realize can be endless. Warning! Bird watching can be addictive!! If you would like a copy of one or more of these plans, please call, write, or email me and I will get them to you. We also intend to have a supply of the plans available at the annual meeting. My address is:
Dick Sampel
Environment & Ecology Committee
4129 Ovid Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
Telephone & Fax: 515-277-6651
E-Mail: jamessampel@earthlink.net
