modern birdhouses

more modern birdhouses- this one is from designer tom dukich: made of high quality stainless steel, including the fasteners, all the parts are cut out with high pressure water jet technology to prevent heat buildup during cutting that will discolor and warp the metal. inspired by the architecture of frank gehry and several prominent museum designs, the "museum birdhouse" has a that swings open for cleaning and a special tool attached under the house that holds the top open. over 20 vent slots on the rear wall of the interior provide ventilation in addition to vents on the edge of the back wall. there are drainage holes in the bottom and there is even a ladder inside to provide young birds a good grip when they leave the house for the first time. if you're like me and wondering if the little birdies will fry in that hot metal house, let tom set your mind at ease:

"the interior temperature of the birdhouse was extensively monitored with computerized temperature recorders. the design features and finish were then adjusted so that even at the very hottest time of a 95 degree day, and under direct sun, the museum birdhouse was only a degree or two warmer than a traditional wooden birdhouse."

the birdhouse is available through dwr and through tom's site. [thanks, tom!]