Bird calling is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to attract various species of birds using replicated sounds. With just a few simple materials, you can make an easy paper bird caller to get started. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right paper to perfecting your bird call techniques. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to craft your own bird caller at home.
Materials Needed for a DIY Bird Caller
To make a simple paper bird caller, you will need:
- One 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper. Construction paper or cardstock works best.
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Double-sided tape
Optional materials:
- Decorative items like stickers, markers, glitter, etc. to customize your caller
- Bird field guide or audio clips to help identify bird calls
- Hole puncher to add string for hanging
Step 1: Cut the Paper
The first step is to cut your sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper in half lengthwise. This will give you two long narrow strips of paper to work with.
Take one strip and trim it to a length of exactly 8.5 inches. Set the trimmed strip aside for now.
Step 2: Roll the Paper
Now take your second strip and roll it lengthwise into a tight cylinder. When rolled up, it should be approximately 8.5 inches long to match the trimmed strip.
Overlap the edges slightly and use a small piece of double-sided tape to secure the paper in the cylindrical shape. Make sure the cylinder is tightly rolled without any gaps.
Step 3: Attach the Rolled Paper
Next, take your trimmed 8.5-inch strip and wrap it around one end of the paper cylinder. Attach it with double-sided tape, creating a “mouthpiece” for the bird caller.
Make sure about 1 inch of the cylinder is left exposed. This open end will act as the sound hole for your caller.
Step 4: Customize the Shape
At this point, you have the basic tubular shape for the bird caller complete. Now you can customize the look by trimming or sculpting the paper.
Some options include:
- Cut the corners into rounded edges for an organic shape
- Sculpt the paper into a cone or funnel shape
- Cut decorative patterns into the paper with scissors
- Leave the cylinder as is for a simple tube shape
Feel free to get creative with the design! Just don’t cover the open sound hole.
Step 5: Add Decorations
To further personalize your bird caller, you can add decorations like:
- Stickers
- Glitter
- Markers to draw designs
- Paint
- Paper cut outs
- Feathers
- Googly eyes
- Anything to make it unique!
Decorate the outside of the caller, but avoid covering the sound hole. Add colors and textures that reflect your personal style.
Step 6: Create a Hanging Loop
To make your bird caller easy to take outdoors, add a loop for hanging.
Punch two holes near the top of the mouthpiece strip. Cut a 5-6 inch piece of string, thread it through the holes, and knot it to create a hanging loop.
You can also use ribbon, yarn, or other materials for the loop. Just make sure it’s securely attached.
Step 7: Practice Your Bird Calling
Now the fun part – trying out your new paper bird caller!
Hold the caller up to your lips with the sound hole facing outwards. Purse your lips slightly into the mouthpiece.
Blow gently across the opening to create a vibrating sound. Try varying the force of your breath to change the pitch and frequency. This will take some practice to master.
Listen to recordings of bird calls to try imitating different species. Pay attention to elements like:
- Tone
- Pitch
- Rhythm
- Number of notes
- Length of calls
With practice, you can learn to recreate a wide range of chirps, songs, and squawks to attract birds.
Tips for Using Your Bird Caller
Here are some useful tips to get the most out of your paper bird caller:
- Use a field guide or app to identify local bird species and their calls. This will give you ideas for calls to try practicing.
- Go outdoors in a quiet natural setting to test your caller, such as a park or garden.
- Try different call volumes, from quiet chirps to loud squawks depending on the species.
- Mimic the pace and rhythm of bird song patterns, with pauses in between calls.
- Sit quietly and use your caller sparingly to avoid scaring off birds.
- Experiment with different pitches and tones for variety.
- Consider adding a decoy bird or owl model to attract birds once they hear your caller.
- Have patience! It may take some time for birds to respond as they get accustomed to your sounds.
Other Techniques to Make a Bird Caller
To create more complex bird calls, try using your hands to mimic bird sounds, experiment with grass blades for different tones, or use a wooden bird caller for a professional touch.
1. Using your hands
To make bird calls with your hands, you can learn a specific whistling technique. By placing your thumbs together and creating an opening between your index fingers, you can shape your hands into a sort of megaphone.
Then, blow air through this opening while adjusting the angle and position of your hands to produce different sounds. This technique allows you to mimic the calls of various birds without needing any special tools or materials.
It’s a simple yet effective way to attract birds and enhance your bird-watching experience. Remember, practice is key when it comes to mastering this skill!
2. Using grass blades
Making a bird caller using grass blades is another simple and effective method. You can find long, thin grass blades in your backyard or nearby fields. Take two grass blades of similar length and thickness.
Hold them together at one end and gently blow between them to create a high-pitched sound that imitates a bird call. Adjust the distance between the blades and experiment with different blowing techniques to produce various bird sounds.
Using grass blades is a natural and eco-friendly way to attract birds while enjoying the outdoors. It’s an inexpensive option that adds excitement to your bird-watching experience without needing any special tools or materials.
3. Using a wooden bird caller
To make a wooden bird caller, you will need birchwood, powdered rosin, and a few tools. Start by shaping the wood into a small block and drilling a hole through it. Apply some powdered rosin to the edges of the hole.
Next, use your fingers or a stick to rotate the block while blowing air into the hole. This creates friction that produces bird call sounds. Experiment with different rotations and blowing techniques to imitate various bird calls.
Woodturning is an interesting method for creating unique bird calls that can enhance your bird-watching experience.
Advanced Bird Caller Techniques
Once you’ve mastered basic bird calls, try stepping up your skills with these advanced caller techniques:
1. Combine Multiple Calls
String different bird vocalizations together to mimic natural bird conversations. American robins for example make a series of complex chirps and whistles when communicating.
2. Use Duet Calls
Some species like doves vocalize together in a duet. Practice alternating two different calls with distinct rhythms like the birds do.
3. Layer Sounds
Layer chirps over top of songs and calls to create the effect of multiple birds calling at once. This adds realism.
4. Use Body Percussion
Use hands to slap thighs to imitate the wing beats of a flushing grouse or thumping of a woodpecker.
5. Mimic Flight Sounds
Whistle or make other wind-related sounds to replicate the sounds of flying birds.
6. Make Distress Calls
Crying, screaming, and mournful sounding calls can attract certain birds who investigate signs of distress in their species. Use judiciously.
7. Attract Owls
There are special owl calling techniques like the rhythmic hooting of a barred owl or screech of a barn owl to try. But make sure not to overuse owl calls in an area.
With practice, bird calling becomes an intuitive skill. Soon you’ll be able to pinpoint a species just by its sound and recreate it naturally. Your homemade paper caller is a great way to start perfecting your bird vocalization abilities.
Before you know it, you’ll be attracting curious and vocal songbirds from yards and parks around your neighborhood. Then you can sit back and enjoy observing them up close as they respond to your handcrafted bird calls.
So, grab some paper, make a custom caller, and flute away! The avian world is ready and waiting to serenade you back.
FAQs about Making a Bird Caller
What is the best material for making a bird caller?
The best materials are lightweight and easy to cut and shape such as cardstock, construction paper, or thin wood. Avoid materials like plastic or metal that are hard to manipulate.
What size should I make the bird caller?
Aim for around 8-10 inches long and 1-2 inches in diameter. This creates a tube that amplifies sound well. Make sure the mouthpiece is about 1 inch wide.
How do I make different bird sounds?
Vary the force of your breath, purse your lips into the mouthpiece, and experiment with tongue placement to change pitch and tone. Listen to recordings of bird calls to mimic.
What is the best place to practice using the caller?
Go outside to a quiet natural area like a park or garden. Sit quietly and use the caller sparingly to avoid scaring birds away.
How do I identify bird species to imitate?
Use a bird field guide or bird call recording app to identify species in your area to practice. Mimic their tone, rhythm, pitch, and pattern.
How do I create the right shape bird caller?
Roll paper into a cylinder with slightly overlapping edges. Secure with tape. Leave one end open as the sound hole. Customize the shape of bird caller by rounding edges or sculpting a funnel shape if desired.
Is there an ethical way to use a bird caller?
Use bird callers sparingly and avoid heavily birded areas. Never use them to attract threatened, endangered, or rare species in the area.