Well, I have finally gotten started on building my facility. It will be a combination mews/weathering almost identical to my sponsor's, although not as fancy as his is built into his deck. It will have solid walls to 4' above grade which will extend to 1' below garde to prevent digging by predators. One the north and west sides the solid walls will extend to the ceiling to protect form the wind that blows from that direction in winter. The other walls will be small plastic lattice. Half half the roof will be the same material and the other half will be shingled so the bird can get out of the weather. Here are some pics of my humble beginnings.
Supplies:
The site:
After clearing and leveling:
"...no hobby should either seek or need rational justification. To find reasons why it is useful or beneficial converts it at once from an avocation into an industry, lowers it at once to the ignominious category of an exercise undertaken for health, power or profit." -Aldo Leopold
Oh I see the humor. I suppose I should replace winter with "only slightly cooler and less rainy than summer season". Erring on the side of caution I guess.
"...no hobby should either seek or need rational justification. To find reasons why it is useful or beneficial converts it at once from an avocation into an industry, lowers it at once to the ignominious category of an exercise undertaken for health, power or profit." -Aldo Leopold
The joist and roof will go up next weekend. After that all thats left are the walls and door. What we just finished was probably the hardest part.
"...no hobby should either seek or need rational justification. To find reasons why it is useful or beneficial converts it at once from an avocation into an industry, lowers it at once to the ignominious category of an exercise undertaken for health, power or profit." -Aldo Leopold
Unfurtunatly the HOA wasn't pleased with my little project, despite how well engineered and nice looking it was going to be. Plan B is a chain link weathering area and an indoor perching setup for nights and bad weather. Not as good but it will do the job. Oh well, getting inspected tommorow morning. Nosey neighbors and busy-body HOA members can't keep this man down!
"...no hobby should either seek or need rational justification. To find reasons why it is useful or beneficial converts it at once from an avocation into an industry, lowers it at once to the ignominious category of an exercise undertaken for health, power or profit." -Aldo Leopold