Lawn Bird Plan Free Project Plan

For years I had been looking for one so I could make my own. I finanly found one in an antique shop in southern Connecticut, but it was just too expensive and the shop owner wouldn't let me photograph or measure it. A couple of years later I found another in northern Vermont. I was able to make a pattern from it, and I made a couple of them and have one on my front lawn right now—I think.

My bird disappears for three or four days at a time; but then it all of a sudden returns, as mysteriously as it left. It makes for a lot of fun and is a great conversation piece. If anyone knows about where these birds orig inally came from and why, I would love to know more about them.

Instructions

Step 1
Make up a full-size pattern, and cut out the head and body. Sand
all edges. Don't forget to make a saw kerf for the spring.

Step 2
Locate and drill the two 3/8-inch-diameter holes for the legs and
the 5/is-inch-diameter holes for the spring.

Step 3
The spring can be purchased from a supplier or from a clock
repair shop. It is part of a 30-day spring-driven clock. Keep the neck as
long as possible so it just supports the head. The head should bob in a gentle
wind.

Step 4
Prime and paint your bird; color as you wish. I used red and white but any color combination should upset your neighbors. Be sure to use exterior paint.