TREECREEPER box

Treecreepers build their nests in tight spaces, so this triangle-shaped house is a perfect fit. Linseed oil rubbed on the outside of the house (never the inside) is a natural method of weatherproofing.

Attach this house to the trunk of a tree 8′ to 15′ off the ground rather than a branch. These birds spend most of their time searching for insects in the trunks of trees, so they're more likely to nest in a house close to their food source.

TREECREEPER

Both the male and female treecreepers have speckled brown backs and white under-parts. You'll also recognize treecreepers by their unique foraging behavior: They climb up trees mouselike, starting at the bottom and working upwards in a spiral around the trunk. They are unable to climb down trees, so when they finish spiraling their way up a tree trunk, they simply fly to the next tree and start at the bottom all over again.

Treecreepers eat mainly insects, so they prefer to live in coniferous or deciduous woods, or parks and gardens with mature trees. Treecreepers are found year-round in Australia, England and Scotland.

Cut out the side and back parts according to the cutting list and nail them together as shown in the illustration.

Using nails, attach the sides to the back. Then attach the top to the back and sides. Using two nails at the bottom of the front door, attach it between the sides. Install the front door stop on the underside of the top and attach the handle to the door. The door might need a small screw inserted into the stop block to stay closed.