In this project, I designed and built a birdhouse specifically for the red-vented bulbul. This birdhouse is unique because it incorporates a small, battery-operated fan for ventilation, ensuring a comfortable environment for the birds. Using sustainable materials like cardboard, the design emphasizes both innovation and eco-friendliness. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, from initial sketches to the final 3D model.

Why I created this bulbul nest?

I made this project in an emergency.

There is a whole story behind it. It seems creepy but it is 100% true.

There were 2 birds, later on, I got to know by a Google image search that they were red-vented bulbuls. They made a nest on a rubber plant tree. The tree is still there on the roof of my house. We had developed a kind of friendship. I threw some aalu bhujiya in the air, and it instantly came out of nowhere and engulfed it, flying in mid-way.

One morning, I saw that everything was disrupted. The nest was spreadeagled. The leaves were torn, and the stem was brutally chewed. Parent birds were crying while sitting on the pole, and an infant bird was lying down on the floor, totally helpless.

Either the monkey had destroyed their nest or the cat had done this evil deed.

Then I immediately went back downstairs and made this cardboard house with windows at both ends and a door that opens upwards with its front face making an angle with the vertical plane, and an open top with wire mesh to maximise ventilation. For about 4 hours, the infant bird was in the hankerchief.

Then, I kept it inside the smart house and turned on the fan. For 2 days, I served him everything, ranging from bhujiya to babycorn. Gradually, it started developing wings. It was growing with the speed of light, and I was happy about it. 

Once again, the sun rose. I abruptly woke up at about 6:00 a.m. When I approached the bird house, I was bewildered to know that the bird house was empty. Not even a broken feather was there. Then I searched for the bird but didn't get it. Most probably, the lizard had eaten it alive. Many times I have seen a lizard eating a big-sized cockroach. 

If you want me to explain the project building procedure in a detailed manner, then I can elaborate on it. 

These little creatures are the poorest of poor. Global warming and human activities such as deforestation leave a negative impact on lives of lakhs of birds, on a massive scale. 

I just want to pay tribute to those birds who chose my roof to build their nest and ended up separating all together for eternity.

Materials and Tools:

1. A good quality cardboard sheet which is not as fragile as ordinary ones. Tip to save time and money- Ask your neighbors, ask your local businesses. Finding cardboard is not a big deal at all.
2. Glue/Adhesive & some tape; ruler and pencil.
3. Craft knife/cardboard cutter/Scissors - whatever you've got for cutting.
4. A red coloured ribbon(15 cms).
5. A lightweight D.C. motor and TPE rotor & some connecting wires.
6. An insulated copper wire to make mesh(a sort of window for tiny homes).
7. Tinkercad software for 3D design

" Disposable Smart Home for Red Vented Bulbul: A Sustainable 3D Cardboard Birdhous

Dr. Salim Ali (1896–1987),, known as the "Birdman of India," was an ornithologist and naturalist who conducted the first systematic bird surveys in India and wrote several books on birds. Ali's work popularised ornithology (the scientific study of birds) in India and inspired budding conservationists. Among the several books he authored, the ‘Book of Indian Birds’ still remains the bible for budding ornithologists. Despite the fame and adulation showered upon him, Dr. Ali remained what he was as a ten-year-old—an ever-curious person with a passion for birds.

Bird Species: Research the red-vented bulbul's habitat and nesting preferences. Learn about the dimensions and features that make an ideal birdhouse for this species.

Sustainable Design: Explore sustainable materials and practices. Consider the environmental impact of using cardboard and other eco-friendly materials.

Ventilation: Understand the importance of proper ventilation in birdhouses. Research different methods to incorporate ventilation into your design, focusing on using a fan to keep the interior cool.

3D Modeling: Use Tinkercad to create a detailed 3D model of your birdhouse. Start with the basic structure and gradually add features such as the entrance hole and perch.

Design Elements: Ensure that the fan is properly integrated into the design. Check that all parts fit together smoothly and that the overall structure is stable. Include an entrance hole, a perch, and a space for the fan

Renderings: Generate high-quality renderings of the 3D model from different angles. These renderings will help you visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments before construction.

Creating the Physical Model

1. Cutting and Preparing Cardboard: Steps to transfer the design from Tinkercad to cardboard.
2. Assembly: Building the structure and incorporating the fan.
3. Decoration: Optional painting and decorating steps.

Placement:

1. Determine the ideal location for your birdhouse.
2. Consider factors such as height, accessibility, and protection from predators.
3. Choose a site that is safe and appealing for the red-vented bulbul.
4. Create a simple site plan that shows where the birdhouse will be placed. Include dimensions and orientation to ensure optimal placement. This step helps visualize how the birdhouse will fit into its environment.

Future Plans

1. 3D Printing Potential: Discussing materials and methods for 3D printing the birdhouse.
2. Sustainability: How using recyclable or biodegradable materials for 3D printing could enhance the project.

This project demonstrates how innovative design and sustainable practices can create impactful small spaces. By documenting the process, I hope to inspire others to think creatively and sustainably.