CREATING SANCTUARY
One Birdhouse
at a Time
The Avian Habitat Conservancy is devoted to the conservation of Michigan's rapidly declining bird populations. In just the last 50 years the state has lost over 25% of it's native bird
population to extinction or near extinction. Human induced environmental factors such as climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and pesticide use have degraded existing bird-friendly forests, meadows, and wetlands. In addition, urban development has encroached on and
destroyed precious avian habitat at a rapid and lethal pace.
The Avian Habitat Conservancy is committed to turning this tide of extinction - one birdhouse at a time.
WHAT WE DO
AND WHY WE DO IT
At Avian Habitat we design, create, and sell one-of-a kind, custom-made, locally-crafted ARTISAN BIRDHOUSES
We donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each birdhouse to a range of local bird-friendly non-profit organizations that we call CONSERVANCY PARTNERS. By doing so, we help foster a sustainable funding stream that will make a difference in the health and welfare of endangered species.
These non-profit organizations are dedicated to the development and protection of bird-friendly habitats. Every time an avian habitat is purchased, a contribution is made to these carefully selected organizations.
Beyond the sale of artisan birdhouses and the contributions to various non-profit partners, the conservancy also seeks to foster healthy avian habitats on public and private golf courses. We facilitate this by offering a certification program for golf venues willing to demonstrate a commitment to a range of bird-friendly course design, development, and maintenance practices that promote sustainable avian habitat.
THE
BIRDHOUSES
CONSTRUCTION
Each Avian Habitat is lovingly and locally hand-crafted.
Each unique birdbox is made of 1” thick rough sawn rot and mold resistant red cedar.
Construction incorporates rust-proof stainless steel “hinges” and screws.
The smooth EXTERIOR is hand sanded and stained with a solid Benjamin Moore wood stain. On your HUMAN house, this low VOC coating is eco-friendly and can last 15 years or more. People report that they like the minimalist look.
The rough “tree-like” INTERIOR is left completely untreated and natural. Birds report that they prefer it this way because it is safer and more conducive to nesting.
The interior also includes optional “shelving” that allows the owner to adjust the inside size to match the species of bird they may be targeting - a feature that seems to be unique to AHC birdhouses !!!
By design, THE ROOF of each unit is constructed of completely waterproof and predator resistant Azeck PVC - painted with four coats of solid Anderson’s Ceramic acrylic paint .
Each unique “faceplate” is constructed of ethically-sourced Michigan hardwood such as red oak, maple, ash, or hickory.
The 1 inch thick boards are hand sanded, stained with a semi-transparent wood finish, and then treated with up to SIX coats of Helmsman Spar Varnish for ultimate water-proofing and UV protection.
Stainless steel (no rust) "hinges" and front socket cap screw makes annual cleaning simple.
On the interior, each plate has a built-in “ladder” to allow fledglings to easily escape into the real world when the time comes !!
Each "entrance hole" is constructed of predator-resistant materials and each incorporates an invisible "non-perch"
As with the birdbox itself, the inside portion of the faceplate is left completely untreated - just the way birds like it.
The TILE HOUSES incorporate the magnificent tilework of locally crafted Motawi Tile.
These 3” X 3” square tiles are inlaid into the hardwood face and secured with grout. Depending on the birdhouse, the tile selected can be from the broader Motawi collection of installation tiles or they may reflect the artwork of renowned abstract wildlife artist Charlie Harper.
The WILDWOOD HOUSES use the same assortment of hardwoods but incorporate other types of domestic and responsibly sourced exotic material such as zebra wood, padauk, purple heart, or mahogany. They also may include natural “found objects’ (in the Japanese tradition of Wabi Sabi) or other man-made adornments aiming for a playful quasi-industrial “prairie school aesthetic” in the manner of Frank Lloyd Wright. Mostly they are just beautiful and fun.
THE BIRDLINKS
PROGRAM
CREATING SANCTUARY -
ONE GOLF COURSE AT A TIME
Golf courses have the potential to become wildlife preserves.
The Birdlinks Program is Avian Habitats way of helping this possibility become a reality. Golf courses that participate in the program designate specific areas of the course as protected and sustainable avian habitat. Participants in the program agree to a set of guidelines that promote natural sanctuary for our declining bird populations -
to design a course-wide site-map that identifies existing "out-of-play" areas for protection.
to develop these areas through ongoing maintenance practices that limit use of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals that endanger wildlife.
to "naturalize" these areas through use of native plantings, preservation of natural snags and deadwood and judicious management of wetlands in order to promote more effective foraging and nesting habitats.
to clearly designate with Avian Habitat signage that these areas are protected and "off limits" to golfers.
