Greensboro Birds

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Finding cool and affordable bird gear is a big challenge. I refuse to pay the prices that “independent” chain of bird stores charges for feeders and houses, especially considering how so many of them look like torture devices I wouldn’t want in my basement, much less out there in my garden. Yeah, I know, it’s to keep the squirrels and stuff away, but really, trees don’t have these safety contraptions and birds nest in them all the time, right?

Anyway, I’m getting away from the point, which is that video profile up there from This Handmade Life about Fred Jakubiec’s birdhouse business on Etsy, Birdhouseaccents. Fred crafts colorful rustic primitive-style birdhouses accented with found objects that he and his partner, Lynn Patrick, score at flea markets or along wooded country roads. When you see Fred’s houses, you’d swear they cost a fortune, but they’re suprisingly budget-friendly—he even offers dozens of options under $15. Even thrifty ol’ me can swing that. My favorite is Fred’s riff on the classic trailer camper, complete with metal roof. Cute!

Folk Art Camper Trailer Birdhouse, $45, Birdhouseaccents @ Etsy

The best part? Fred seems like a really nice guy. After decades of living the wage-slave life, he and Lynn are living the dream, creating and selling birdhouses. Especially these days, isn’t it nice to hear about someone who’s been able to build a life around something he enjoys?

But you know, I do have to wonder why I let our chickens and chickadees inhabit houses that are nearly better than our own.