Abstract: A kit of garden torch holders for securely retaining a garden torch in the ground and on the wall is provided. A first torch holder has a hollow body having a circumferential flange and a hollow tip for planting the first torch holder into the ground for retaining a shaft therein. The kit also provides wall mountable second and third torch holders providing pairs of opposing notches for mounting both the body of the garden torch and the above mentioned first torch holder.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a lifting pillar having at least a first tube and at least a second tube that is axially movably arranged within the first tube. Further, the lifting pillar provides at least one sliding element arranged between the first tube and the second tube. The sliding element is in direct contact with the first tube and the second tuber and is axially movably arranged in relation to the first tube and the second tube.

Abstract: An animal brushing arrangement and method wherein a support part, a brush, an electric motor and a rotation sensor are provided. The electric motor is arranged to rotate the brush about a rotation axis, and the rotation sensor is arranged to detect a rotational movement about the rotation axis that is caused by an external force applied to the brush, such as by an animal, when the motor is not operating, a detection of such a rotational movement being operative to activate the motor.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering objects includes a carriage subsystem with a tubular body having an interior central channel an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of an elongated tubular support structure. A plurality of guides facilitate linear translation of the carriage on the vertical structure without marring. At least one hook on the carriage pivots to engage a slot on the support structure for locking the carriage in a raised position. Objects are attached to a flange on the carriage. A winch and cable control motion of the carriage.

Abstract: A wall, floor or ceiling mounted apparatus for housing or controlling creatures, the apparatus including a housing adapted to be built in to a wall floor or ceiling and a plurality of removable and exchangeable inserts which are adapted to fit into the housing.

Abstract: A saving device for bird houses, feeders and feed is provided that includes a vertical member secured in an anchor medium topped by a pulley supporting a line able to be fastened by a cleat. The line attached to a sleeve traveling up and down the vertical member, by the action of an operator, is fitted with hooks to support feeders and houses for target species, protected by a guard and hanger clamp assembly, a means to hinder non-target animals from accessing and destroying feeders and houses for target species.

Abstract: A decorative birdhouse device is disclosed that provides birds with shelter from the elements and enables users to easily change the birdhouse design. The decorative birdhouse device comprises a base component, multiple channel sections, at least one side panel component, and a roof secured together. The base component comprises a bottom section, with the channel sections being secured to the bottom section of the base component. Furthermore, the channel sections comprise one or more channels sized to accept a side panel component. A plurality of side panel components are disposed in the one or more channels to form a front, a rear, and two side walls on the base component. The side panel components can also comprise at least one continuous opening for allowing a bird to enter the interior cavity of the birdhouse device.

Abstract: A birdhouse having at least four walls, a first gabled roof covering the top of the walls and extending beyond the front wall, and a bottom panel approximately covering and enclosing the bottom of the four walls; where the front wall has a first entrance opening; a front panel attached by at least one spacer to the front wall, wherein the front panel has a second gabled roof extending in front of and behind the front panel, wherein the front panel has a second entrance opening; wherein the first and second entrance openings are approximately the same diameter and are approximately horizontally aligned; wherein the first opening and the second opening are spaced apart by the at least one spacer, wherein the thickness of the spacer and the space it provides is approximately from one-half to 3 times the diameter of the first opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for a nest box includes an outer box for establishing a nesting enclosure. The outer box is molded from a plastic material impregnated with a heat-reflective pigment. The outer box includes a generally rectangular shape with an open end, a closed end, sides, a top and a bottom. The sides have a plurality of vent holes. The bottom has a plurality of drain holes. The top has vent slots. An inner liner is contained within the outer box with an air space between the inner liner and the outer box. The inner liner includes an open end, a closed end, sides and a bottom. The sides have a plurality of vent holes. The top has a plurality of vent holes. The bottom has a plurality of drain holes. A radiant barrier foil is joined to an interior surface of the outer box. A faceplate covers the open end.

Abstract: A birdhouse having at least four walls, a first gabled roof covering the top of the walls and extending beyond the front wall, and a bottom panel approximately covering and enclosing the bottom of the four walls; where the front wall has a first entrance opening; a front panel attached by at least one spacer to the front wall, wherein the front panel has a second gabled roof extending in front of and behind the front panel, wherein the front panel has a second entrance opening; wherein the first and second entrance openings are approximately the same diameter and are approximately horizontally aligned; wherein the first opening and the second opening are spaced apart by the at least one spacer, wherein the thickness of the spacer and the space it provides is approximately from one-half to 3 times the diameter of the first opening.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a photovoltaic plant (1) against rodent bite damage, wherein the photovoltaic plant (1) comprises several components, among them solar cells (2), a control unit (5), an inverter (7), an internal voltage supply means (13) and at least one microcontroller (9) which are interconnected via corresponding lines (3, 6, 8, 11). To provide such a device which offers an optimum protection against damage caused by bites and which entails as little maintenance and installation expenditures as possible, an ultrasonic transmitter (12) is provided for emitting an ultrasonic signal, and the ultrasonic transmitter (12) is connected to a microcontroller (9) of the photovoltaic plant (1) such that the ultrasonic signal emitted is controllable via the photovoltaic plant (1).

Abstract: Provides a “front porch” device to wildlife houses for required predator protection and weather protection to the house entrance while utilizing the design to incorporate complete gable venting of the house. The invention consists of a gable roof with a front panel set away from the front face and outside of the wildlife house to deter predator access and provide a shield to the weather over the house entrance. The front panel is supported on the bottom or sides by mounting members of required thickness. The “front porch” is spaced away from the front face of the house at a distance which allows ease of passage or has an opening for passage of the wildlife for which it is provided.

Abstract: A window bird house is advantageously configured for easy transport and storage, and is a low cost alternative to prior art bird houses. The window bird house includes a housing having a plurality of walls and a floor which are collapsible upon each other for compact transport and storage. One of the walls includes a viewing opening for observing birds in the housing. Additionally, the rear wall may be removably secured to a first side of a window so that inside of the housing is visible from a second side of the window. Also, one of the walls includes an opening for ingress and egress of birds. A cover may be attached to the second side of the window for selecting covering the viewing opening thereby mitigating disruptions to the birds. The window bird house may be fabricated from die cut corrugated plastic sheet.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: An avian hut includes a plurality of walls, each wall having an upper edge and a lower edge and coupled to at least one other of the plurality of walls, the plurality of walls together defining an avian hut interior and an avian hut exterior, the lower edges together defining an opening open to the environment, and at least one of the plurality of walls defining a notch shaped to accept a perch secured to an interior of a bird enclosure thereby allowing the perch to extend from the exterior of the avian hut into the interior of the avian hut. A securing device is operable to removably secure the plurality of walls within a bird cage and the notch above the perch.

Abstract: A system for quantifying or assigning values to habitats and/or species occurring within a geographic site. In one implementation, for example, a baseline habitat value is assigned to a geographic site prior to the performance of a proposed activity impacting the site, such as development or construction. The baseline habitat value is based at least in part on the specific types of habitats found in the site, the number of species found in the site, and the key ecological functions associated with each species. The baseline habitat value can be adjusted to account for the potential presence of invasive plant species within the site. A future habitat value for the site following the performance of the activity also can be determined. A debit value associated with the proposed activity can be determined by subtracting the future habitat value from the baseline habitat value.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: A solar powered bird house having solar energy system for powering an electrical subsystem is disclosed. The electrical subsystem may include lighting elements for illuminating the bird house and the area around the bird house in a decorative and functional manner.

Abstract: A squirrel house that can be used for shelter from predators, from cold weather and for providing a den for a breeding pair of squirrels to build a nest for raising a family of young squirrels, having a front wall including a side access hole, a floor having a bottom access opening, a pair of matching side walls supporting a shed roof end extending at a slight incline from the back wall to and over the side access wall being supported along the tapered top edges of the side walls. The squirrel house also employs multiple predator guards including a predator guard mounted on the roof, an internal predator guard, an interior baffle to reduce access by a predator, and a roof guard comprising projections on the roof to hinder predator access from the roof, and where there is a separate exit hole for the nesting squirrel(s) to exit while a predator attempts to enter through a predator guard hole.

Abstract: A receptacle for the care and maintenance of living things has a housing with an interior, and a lid that is securable thereto by rotation in a first direction and detachable therefrom by rotation in a second direction. A swivel member associated with the lid permits the lid to freely rotate relative to a portion of the swivel member. The receptacle has a suspension member with a first end portion securable to the swivel member and a second end portion securable to a support member so that when the assembled receptacle is suspended from the support member, the lid can rotate relative to the swivel member without being detached from the housing.

Abstract: A system for quantifying or assigning values to habitats and/or species occurring within a geographic site. In one implementation, for example, a baseline habitat value is assigned to a geographic site prior to the performance of a proposed activity impacting the site, such as development or construction. The baseline habitat value is based at least in part on the specific types of habitats found in the site, the number of species found in the site, and the key ecological functions associated with each species. The baseline habitat value can be adjusted to account for the potential presence of invasive plant species within the site. A future habitat value for the site following the performance of the activity also can be determined. A debit value associated with the proposed activity can be determined by subtracting the future habitat value from the baseline habitat value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: An accessory for wild birds is formed from a plurality of ceramic clay flowerpots disposed in preselected relation to each other. The accessory includes a receptacle formed from a ceramic flowerpot. The receptacle has a first end and a second end and a continuous side wall of the receptacle extends between the first end and the second end of the receptacle. The continuous side wall defines a plurality of openings of preselected sizes disposed at preselected positions. At least one of a top and a bottom formed of a ceramic clay flowerpot are positioned coaxially and adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end of the receptacle.

Abstract: A protective device for limiting access through an opening formed in one wall of a house for small animals or birds, including an elongated open-ended tubular body having first and second ends and a passage therethrough, a securement for securing the first end of the tubular body to the house, and a support structure extending downwardly from the second end of the tubular body. The support structure includes a perch substantially aligned with the tunnel and extending at least about 0.75 inches from the second end of the tubular body, and/or the top of the second end of the tubular body is recessed toward the one end.

Abstract: A squirrel house that can be used for shelter from predators, from cold weather and for providing a den for a breeding pair of squirrels to build a nest for raising a family of young squirrels, having a front wall including a side access hole, a floor having a bottom access opening, a pair of matching side walls supporting a shed roof end extending at a slight incline from the back wall to and over the side access wall being supported along the tapered top edges of the side walls.

Abstract: An apparatus provides rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: The suspended bird-feed catcher of the present invention includes a pan suitable for receiving and holding bird feed that falls out of a bird feeder and prevents the bird feed from falling to the ground. The pan is suspended from the same apparatus from which the bird feeder is suspended so the pan can be easily removed without disrupting the bird feeder.

Abstract: An improved nesting box for migratory waterfowl, especially for wood ducks, made of durable white plastic in a sleek, smooth and round canister shape. This wood duck house with round contours and a tight fitting lid deters predators from entry as there are no edges or ridges for predators to grasp. The ingress and egress hole is of sufficient size to allow a wood duck in flight to easily alight into the inside nesting area. The ingress hole is of sufficient length from the bottom of the canister to be longer then the reach of any predator. The invention provides a mesh grid climbing ladder secured to the inside bottom and side of the canister for easy egress by the ducklings upon hatching. This wood duck house is not to be mounted on a tree. An additional improvement over the prior art is that this invention is mounted on a round plastic hollow pole and planted directly in the water of a wetlands area thereby allowing the ducklings to exit the canister and jump safely to the water below.

Abstract: A birdhouse with a changeable effective entrance size and that is easily disassembled is provided. A main body is provided having a top and a bottom, and a main body hole of a first size therebetween. The main body can be round or have a flat side. A roof is connected to the main body top. The birdhouse has a floor removeably connected to the main body bottom. A constrictor plate with a constrictor plate hole of a second size is also provided. The constrictor plate can be slidably held between screw heads and the inside surface of the main body, or can be hingedly connected to the main body. The user moves the constrictor plate between a first position and a second position to change the effective opening size of the entrance. The constrictor plate can have more than one constrictor plate hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring certain kinds of animals from birdfeeders and birdhouses consists of rotating such avian enclosures at a sufficient speed to deter the undesirable animal. An electronic baffle rotates the avian enclosures at variable speeds for which fast speeds are used to deter animals and slow speeds are used for better viewing of birds. A support suspends the baffle from a tree or mounts the baffle to a pole in the ground. An electronic circuit contained within the baffle senses the animal's presence and controls the speed of a motor that rotates the avian enclosures for a predetermined period of time. Optionally, remote control circuitry may be used in manually deterring animals from the avian enclosures and for better viewing of birds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a punched out sheet for use in making a bird-nesting box without using tools or other aids and to a bird nesting box made from the same. The sheet has an interconnected outer part and an inner punch-out part. The outersheet has a carrier handle and devices for adjustment and reinforcement of the entrance and exit hole of the box. The inner part has bipartite suspension devices, a surface device in the form of a ladder and a transverse device in the form of a guard against predators.

Abstract: Provided herein are articles of headwear which comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front portion, and a rear portion, which collectively define a casing having an inner volume. The bottom portion is equipped with a removable closure means which has a flat surface to enable the headwear articles of the invention to rest in an upright position when placed on a flat surface. The headwear articles according to the invention have the dual function in that they are useful as feeders or shelters for small birds and other animals, and thus include at least one hole in either of the top portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front portion, and a rear portion to enable birds and/or small animals to enter the article when it is placed in a location where such small animals inhabit.

Abstract: A modular birdhouse in accordance with the present invention includes a support pole, a collar, at least one wire form and at least one nest module. First, the collar is slidably connected to the pole. The wire form has a square shape, and the ends of the wire form are upturned and inserted into corresponding openings in the collar. The collar includes coordinated flanges with fasteners that fix the wire forms to the collar. Two or more collars can be interconnected in a stacked manner to create tiers of nest modules. Each nest module has a plurality of connector slots. For attachment, the nest module is positioned within the square shape of the wire form and then rotated until the connector slots of the nest module engage the wire form. A porch structure interconnects the wire form to the nest module to prevent further rotation and disengagement of the nest module. Nest modules may be added or removed from the wire forms as desired by the operator and without the use of tools and/or implements.

Abstract: A birdhouse entrance is provided with an entrance opening having two posts projecting vertically from the bottom edge of the opening toward the top edge. The two posts are spaced apart such that a bird of selected size cannot pass between them without opening its wings. Sufficient clearance for the wings is provided between the outer edges of the posts and the side edges of the entrance opening.

Abstract: A method of deterring certain kinds of animals from birdfeeders and birdhouses consists of rotating such avian enclosures at a sufficient speed to deter the undesirable animal. An electronic baffle rotates the avian enclosures at variable speeds for which fast speeds are used to deter animals and slow speeds are used for better viewing of birds. A support suspends the baffle from a tree or mounts the baffle to a pole in the ground. An electronic circuit contained within the baffle senses the animal's presence and controls the speed of a motor that rotates the avian enclosures for a predetermined period of time. Optionally, remote control circuitry may be used in manually deterring animals from the avian enclosures and for better viewing of birds.

Abstract: An improved nesting box for migratory waterfowl, such as wood ducks, made of durable plastic and in a canister shape. This wood duck house with round contours and a tight fitting lid deters predators from entry. The entry and egress hole is of sufficient size to allow a wood duck in flight to easily alight into the canister nesting area. The entry hole is of sufficient length from the bottom of the canister to be longer then the reach of any predator. The invention provides a mesh grid climbing ladder secured to the inside bottom and side of the canister for easy egress by the ducklings upon hatching. This wood duck house is not to be mounted on a tree. An additional improvement is that this invention is to be mounted on a round plastic hollow segmented pole that can be planted directly in the water of a wetlands area thereby allowing the ducklings to exit the canister and jump safely to the water below.

Abstract: A birdhouse where breeding pairs of birds build a nest, lay eggs and brood young birds with a fledging board or platform which is deployed just below the entrance hole in order to provide an exercise area for the young birds so that they may test their legs and wings just prior to taking their first flight. During the incubation period and when the young birds are growing up the fledge board is concealed in such a manor that no accouterments are present that would offer a footing to a predator who might otherwise use the board as a staging area to reach inside and raid the nest. The fledge board is deployed only when the young birds emerge from the cramped interior of the nest for the first time allowing them the opportunity to flex their legs and wings before taking their first flight into the world thereby reducing the likelihood of injury or death.

Abstract: A method for deterring arboreal animals from climbing and reaching a bird feeder nesting box or elevated plant holder, supported atop a post set within the ground, includes the steps of providing a freestanding, non-rotatable hollow, longitudinally extending body and inserting the post supporting the bird feeder, nesting box or elevated plant holder conjunctionally therein. Alternatively, the bird feeder, nesting box or elevated plant holder may be directly supported atop the freestanding, non-rotatable, longitudinally extending body. The free standing, non-rotatable longitudinally extending body extends up from the ground, and is made of a minimal height and width, whereupon the arboreal animal will slide down the free standing, non-rotatable hollow, longitudinally extending body to a position where the arboreal animal is out of a jumping range to reach said bird feeder, nesting box or elevated plant.

Abstract: A non-telescoping pole with interengaging sections that are convex polygonal in cross-section such that the sections are axially slidable with respect to each other but not rotatable. When said pole has three sections, upper, intermediate and lower, the sidewalls of upper section are preferably made with an incurved portion forming a longitudinal groove and the sidewalls of the lower section are preferably made with an outcurved portion forming a spline such that a cavity is formed between the grooves and the intermediate section and between the spline and the intermediate section to reduce friction between the sections.

Abstract: A birdcage has a movable wing above its door opening. The wing is pivotally mounted such that the wing can be rotated between a first position wherein the wing extends downwardly from its pivot axis to a level below the top of the door and a second position wherein the wing does not extend downwardly from the pivot axis to a level below the top of the door. The wing works in combination with a traditional latch that is located lower, along the free side of the door. Because the wing and latch are spaced apart, a bird cannot reach both at the same time and cannot unlock the cage. The wing also acts as a safety device that can be used to prevent leg crushing. When the cage door is open, the wing hangs down and blocks a portion of the door opening. If the cage door is inadvertently bumped, the door cannot swing fully to the closed position because the wing blocks its travel.

Abstract: A bird observatory assembly includes an enclosure, an annular mounting frame and complementary first and second magnetic elements. The enclosure has a plurality of panels interconnected to one another and to the mounting frame so as to define an interior cavity for one or more birds to nest within the enclosure and an opening at an inner end of the enclosure. One of the panels has an aperture defined therein that permits birds to enter and exit the interior cavity. The mounting frame has a surface positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of a window pane. The mounting frame is mounted to the inner end of the enclosure and defines a viewing portal in communication with the opening of the enclosure and the interior cavity. The first magnetic elements are mounted to the surface of the mounting frame.

Abstract: A prefabricated fully assemblable bird cage comprising a flat sheet of stiff material, a rectangular panel, formed centrally in the sheet bounded on the outside perimeter thereof by four straight prefold marginal depressions, defining respectively a top margin, opposed side margins and a bottom margin, each fold line arranged orthogonal to the other, the fold lines joined at their respective intersecting terminal ends to form a central panel of the enclosure, the rectangular panel having formed therein a large central opening, the edges of which reside in the panel; first and second end panels extending outward from the central panel including a first portion of each end panel that is arranged to be folded orthogonal to the central panel; opposed side panels extending respectively outward from the panel margins for folding toward each other in parallel arrangement to form respectively side panels of the cage; a pair of wide, short tabs extending from the straight prefold marginal edge depression formed in the

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pole and a bottom surface. The pole has a sidewall with an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway. The sidewall defines a first opening. The first opening extends through the sidewall and communicates with the hollow raceway of the pole. The bottom surface is positioned inside the hollow raceway of the pole proximate the first opening. A method for constructing a wildlife habitat includes forming at least a first opening in a sidewall of a pole. The sidewall has an inner surface that defines a hollow raceway. The first opening communicates with the hollow raceway. A bottom surface is provided inside the hollow raceway of the pole proximate the first opening.

Abstract: A disposable cardboard birdhouse including a cardboard shell having rectangular walls and a roof, the shell having holes in the outer walls thereof for the birds to pass through. Smaller individual cardboard nesting boxes are stacked within the cardboard shells and holes in the nesting boxes align with holes in the shell to allow birds to come in and out of the disposable birdhouse. The entire birdhouse can be discarded at the end of the nesting season.

Abstract: A bird cage (20) includes a centrally disposed bird receiving structure (30) and inwardly sloping sides (28) which in combination cause birds to face inward and thereby defecate away from the bird receiving structure. These features make the cleaning of the bird cage easier. In a preferred embodiment, the bird cage also includes a removable top portion (24) which is selectively connected to a bottom portion (22). Since the top portion can be removed from the bottom portion, cleaning of the bird cage is simplified. In a preferred embodiment, the bird cage does not include a conventional door.

Abstract: A variable-volume birdhouse comprises an internal nesting volume that varies in height, width and breadth to suit desired bird species. The nesting volume maintains a generally cubicle interior shape. A plurality of generally orthogonal, intersecting plywood panels form the enclosure. The base panel supports a pair of spaced-apart, side panels that removably mount an upper roof panel. A perpendicular back panel extends between the side panels in spaced relation relative to a front door panel that is hinged to the enclosure for easy user access. Hooks projecting from the panels are received within suitable slits in adjacent panels to lock them together. An internal, vertical partition is slidably fitted within selected grooves in the base and rear panels to establish internal width. An appropriately-sized shelf is fitted between the partition and the right side panel. The nesting volume rear is bounded by an appropriately dimensioned rear wall.