FOR THE BIRDS
... and the people too!
Ava Richards, Northern Cardinal, digital image, 2019
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Northern Cardinal Feeder
Sofia, Bella, Ava, John
Northern Cardinal
Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
We chose the Cardinalis cardinalis, also-known-as the northern cardinal. They are all around the state of Ohio. Mostly found in woodland edges, suburban towns, and gardens, they also are found making nests and living in a large variety of bushes. The birds’ diet consists of a variety of seeds, insects, and berries. The birds are a bright color of red, with black around the beak and eyes; typically, 8-9 inches in height.
Brutalism Architecture
We looked to the Unite d’Habitation Marseille, by Le Corbusier, for inspiration. This structure is a brutalist/modernism piece that was constructed in the mid 50s. It is composed of concrete, steel, glass, and stucco materials. Brutalist architecture often involves overhangs and support beams, which is what inspired the overhang for the roof of our feeder. This type of architecture originates from Europe, but spread worldwide.
The Design Process
We started the process of design by researching the bird, and researching architecture for the possible bird house or feeder. Next, we constructed sketches of our birds and ideas for the bird feeder. As a group, we went over the sketches and scaled down the dimensions. Once we came to an agreement, we created a CAD design of the feeder and a paper model. After we created the paper model, we realized changes needed to be made. In the pictures, you can see that we changed the overhang of the roof. After this, we decided to combine two pieces that each dispensed bird seed. On a graph sheet of paper, we created a new sketch of all the pieces and dimensions. Next we started the CAD model of the feeder, and then laser printed the model out of cardboard. We did this to make sure everything would fit together after it would be cut. Once we put together the cardboard model we laser cut the final product out of wood. We used wood glue to put all of the pieces together, once we were done with that we sealed it.
The Birdhouse
Northern Cardinal Bird Feeder Maintenance
· The bird feeder should be cleaned out at least once a month to refill with bird seed and clean out any water that has gotten in and spoiled the seed. (This would be especially necessary after precipitation.)
· Clean the feeder with materials that do not require drainage, such as steel wool. Liquid/chemical cleaners could linger and poison the food.
· Refill feeder when necessary, such as when food is low in quantity.
· The inside of the bird feeder can be accessed by opening the roof of the birdhouse.
· The outside hinge, hook, and mounting pole should be checked every so often to make sure it's secure. This should especially be done after heavy rain or storms.
Germantown MetroPark
Our group chose to donate our bird feeder to the Germantown MetroPark, a place for nature lovers to go admire the beauty of the land. With so many sights to see and trails to follow, Five Rivers MetroParks is a noteworthy nonprofit organization to donate our bird feeder to. The park has an exquisite landscape, perfect for wildlife residents. More importantly, the woodland is amazing for the northern cardinal.