Tuesday, April 30, 2024

53 DIY Birdhouse Plans that Will Attract Them to Your Garden

birdhouse design

But it also tells you what you’d like to know about the chickadees themselves. So if you are looking for something that will add beauty to your property whether it be day or night then this birdhouse could very well do that. So the site does a great job at explaining how to build this.

Not All Birds Use Bird Houses

birdhouse design

If you like the more modern design of houses then you’ll love this little birdhouse. This birdhouse is cute (just as its name implies.) It would hang beautifully from most any tree. This birdhouse immediately triggered fond memories for me. My grandmother had birdhouses in her backyard and this one looks very similar to some she had over the years. I’d love to see your results, so be sure to share them with me by either tagging me on Instagram or by sharing your work in my Facebook Group. Find out how to get rid of wasp nests in birdhouses without pesticides.

The Small And Simple Birdhouse

Screws should be more snug in secondary work pieces so that screws can be tightened, but not so tight as to split the wood or to strip the hole and loosen the screw. Birdhouse mounting, monitoring and maintenance on ladders are awkward chores that require “three hands”. Convenience increases safety when working at heights. Recycling used coffee cans to make creative homes for birds is one of the best ways to teach your children how to care for the environment.

Wren / Chickadee Birdhouse Plans:

They nest in summer or roost in winter in a birdhouse of the same dimensions and placement as that of a wood duck house. Regardless of where you live, there are guaranteed to be many beautiful avian species inhabiting the trees and skies nearby. It’s a project that keeps giving back, long after you put on the finishing touches. If you have a porch or patio you almost undoubtedly have at least one flower planter.

If you want to paint your wooden bird house, make sure to use a water-basedexterior latex paint and it is a light color to reflect heat - not black, darkblue or red, etc.. As the trees in the front yard grew, there seems to be more competitionfrom house sparrows. The birds most likely to use the nest log at our house were Tree Swallows. Also, if predators or house sparrows get in the nest, at least the adultshave a chance to escape through the second hole. Every nest box needs a roof (though many natural cavities are open on top). Drive 1¼-inch nails through the back and into the side walls.

C. Buy pre-made Purple Martin houses.

Follow these steps to learn how to build a birdhouse with everyday materials. This ornate backyard bird house could be just the thing to challenge and excite you. Though it relies on the same simple supplies as many of the basic patterns, it incorporates quite a lot of creative charm and appeal. Bird houses can get filthy, and over time, it can deter birds from taking up residence in your handmade homes.

In the video, it is advised to drill the hole 1-1/4 inches in diameter for chickadees. While that distance will work for chickadees, my recommendation is to drill the hole 1-1/8 inches. This diameter will still allow chickadees and House Wrens but prevents House Sparrows. General Store Birdhouse – the front of this birdhouse has the look of an old western style general store. Church Birdhouse – this birdhouse looks like an old wooden church that you might see in the country.

The Birdhouse Designs That Are Best for Birds - The Wall Street Journal

The Birdhouse Designs That Are Best for Birds.

Posted: Wed, 09 Nov 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

And the instructions pride themselves on being easy to follow. And in this case that functional piece of equipment could be this birdhouse. It looks adorable, unique, and I’m sure the birds will love it. So if you love these little birds and would love to have an easy attractant then this birdhouse could certainly be it. But if you are experienced in the area of carpentry and want something that looks really cool then you’ll definitely want to check out this birdhouse. Not everyone loves everything to look rustic or old fashioned.

Green Roof Bird House

8 Renowned Architects Design Birdhouses to Explore the Relationship between Architecture and Nature - ArchDaily

8 Renowned Architects Design Birdhouses to Explore the Relationship between Architecture and Nature.

Posted: Thu, 20 Jan 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It’s an easy project with a simple drawing that shows you all the dimensions you need to cut out the six necessary pieces. Table 1 shows the recommended nest box sizes for three sizes of nest boxesand for five species of birds that commonly use nest boxes. Here arebluebird nest box plans (pdf)that are fairly simple, you make all your cuts out of one 1"x6"x4' board. A hole size forbluebird houseplans will be different than one for chickadees.

Not only will you need to consider your property’s limitations and your preferred species’ nesting habits, you’ll also need to take climate into account. Large houses can accommodate multiple families of birds, and some are even roomy enough for adult owls and their offspring. Think about the types of birds you often see around your home when deciding on bird house size. Before you measure and cut, you can make adjustments for other thickness of lumber. For the initial assembly, you can assemble the floor, back, and sides with the use of good quality nails, glue, or drywall screws. These birds live as a community, meaning that you’ll have to accommodate a lot of them.

This birdhouse can also be used for other birds depending on how large an entrance hole you create. Big or small, any bird that uses this beautiful birdhouse will be very appreciative. For bluebirds, consider making a skylight to keep away nasty starlings.

They prefer houses in a thicket or a stand of small trees and shrubs. House wrens like to choose a home near woody vegetation. Purple martins select apartment houses placed on a tall pole in the middle of a lawn or open field.

Moving as nonintrusively as possible, check your birdhouse once or twice a week, keeping visits to less than a minute. If you want to put your data to good use in studying birds, record what you see using the NestWatch website or mobile phone app. A two-in-one ornamental house for the birds provided with lush flowers and plants for a homely effect.

This will help you decide what type (tree, hanging, pole, etc.) and size of birdhouse you should choose. Bird feeders not only are functional, but they come in all different styles. Purple martin houses need to be about 15 to 20 feet above the ground. Wood ducks and screech-owls also need lofty homes, 12 to 40 feet high. For bluebirds, secure the house to a post 5 to 8 feet above the ground.

It would be one that you could likely include small children in as well. Jennifer is a full-time homesteader who started her journey in the foothills of North Carolina in 2010. Currently, she spends her days gardening, caring for her orchard and vineyard, raising chickens, ducks, goats, and bees. Jennifer is an avid canner who provides almost all food for her family needs. She enjoys working on DIY remodeling projects to bring beauty to her homestead in her spare times.

Monday, April 1, 2024

What are the best cruises in the world? Viking, Disney are big winners

most luxurious cruise ship in the world

Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano. The first ocean cruising vessel for Australian company Scenic, Scenic Eclipse offers the experience of a luxury yacht as opposed to an oversized cruise ship. It’s a ship with super luxury features like two helicopters and a submarine on board, plus eight restaurants and modern suites. Oceania Riviera dining is legendary across all of the cruise ship's dining venues, including complimentary specialty restaurants.

Oceania Riviera, Oceania Cruises

On board, there are just 132 all veranda, all ocean-front suites — but this is really about getting off the ship. To that end, the ship carries two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, and a fleet of double sea kayaks for all those excursions that are included in your sailing. All cabins on Seven Seas Explorer are classified as suites, with the smallest coming in at 219 square feet -- not enormous by luxury standards, but certainly comfortable.

most luxurious cruise ship in the world

The ship is spacious ... really spacious

Keeping in line with the line's luxurious reputation, Silver Moon has lovely, understated public spaces, including an expansive pool deck featuring comfortable lounge chairs, a large pool and dedicated pool stewards ready to cater to any needs that arise. There's also a cool Arts Cafe, where coffee- and tea-drinkers can feed their habit while noshing healthy bites amid funky art. Smaller cruise lines — with ships that fit hundreds rather than thousands of guests — dominated U.S. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is a ship influenced by art deco that harkens back to the golden age of ocean travel with its glamorous atmosphere, formal atmosphere, and traditional practices such as daily afternoon tea and black tie dances in the vast ballroom.

Cruises on the world's most luxurious ships

The Ritz-Carlton has built a brand on its premier white-glove service on land, which now extends to sea following the launch of its Yacht Collection late last year. Its 298-passenger ship, Evrima, marries a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities (six restaurants, four pools, suite-style sea-facing cabins, salon, spa, fitness center and more). Aside from the ship itself, what makes Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima stand out from the rest is its sheer amount of itinerary options. You can explore the European Mediterranean and the enclaves of Canary Islands on one charter, then see the Caribbean’s greatest hits like San Juan and St. Barts on the next. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned reputation, Evrima is drawing younger crowds to the luxury cruising scene, creating a more diverse experience. More than just a vacation, luxury cruises are designed to cater to the whims and desires of its discerning guests (caviar and Champagne on-demand, anyone?).

Crystal

In every instance, it is followed by Seattle-based Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation's ultra-luxury brand. It's part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also operates Royal Caribbean International, which took home a "Silver Award" in this category. Here, average daily rates accounted for 60% of scores, while expert, traveler and health ratings accounted for the other 40%. Cruise lines with average daily rates of $300 or more did not qualify for this category. Read our full review of sailing a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2. Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

most luxurious cruise ship in the world

Delfin II — Lindblad Expeditions-National GeographicArrow

Seven Seas Splendor will spend the next couple months sailing out of Miami, San Diego and New York City before moving to Europe for the spring, summer and fall. European itineraries will include voyages to the French Riviera, Greek Islands, Iberian Peninsula and United Kingdom. While our test session only lasted about an hour, the typical class that Regent plans for the space will be two hours long. More than a dozen new classes have been added with a focus on dishes from the destinations where Seven Seas Splendor will be sailing. After adding its first cooking classroom at sea in 2016 on Seven Seas Explorer, the line has built a second one on Seven Seas Splendor.

Top 10 Most Luxurious Cruise Ships in the World

You would still have a lovely time, but at the same time, you would be paying for the luxuries that others have enjoyed. Best for spa loversInspired by the graceful lines and rich tones of a luxurious private yacht, the 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation is one of Seabourn’s slickest ships. A wide range of dining venues, including the Grill by Thomas Keller, offers impressive culinary choices as the ship explores Asia, Australia and New Zealand and the eastern Mediterranean.

of the best luxury cruise lines for excursions

The 10 Most Luxurious Cruises You Can Take Around the World - Veranda

The 10 Most Luxurious Cruises You Can Take Around the World.

Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

As for dining, the Seas Symphony has almost every cuisine you might think of, and some that you haven’t even discovered yet. The style is one of safety and tradition with carpeted spaces, flattened curtains, and smooth square silhouettes. The atmosphere on board the Azamara Quest is relaxed and inviting, and the ship has a modern yet homey design that wouldn’t look out of place in a chic boutique hotel. The ship spends the summer months sailing in northern Europe and the Mediterranean, and then it crosses the Atlantic Ocean to spend the winter months in the Caribbean and South America, notably at the Rio carnival.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the Most Luxurious Cruise Line for Elegance

The Restaurant (the main dining room) and The World Cafe (buffet) serve international menus in light-filled venues, with options to open floor-to-ceiling windows on balmy days. Manfredi's is arguably the best restaurant onboard andoffers Italian fare, while you can sample Norwegian dishes inspired by the mother of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen at Mamsen's. It truly is one of the loveliest, most luxurious ships at sea -- full stop. That's not quite the one-to-one ratio that is the Holy Grail of luxury cruising. For more information on the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, click here. The Royal Clipper is the largest and most magnificent square-rigged ship in the world, and it carries just 227 courageous sailors on thrilling adventures across the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style. Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy. Best for elegance Glamorous, formal and traditional, Cunard’s art deco-inspired Queen Elizabeth harks back to the golden era of ocean travel with daily afternoon tea and black tie dances in the grand ballroom.

It's great to see Regent adding more Asian-influenced dishes in Compass Rose. While the restaurant names will look familiar to longtime Regent customers, some of the culinary offerings will be a surprise. In a major overhaul to menus, the line has added more than 200 new or updated dishes across the various venues.

The ships have an at-home quality—if you happen to live in an art-filled modern mansion. Ovation’s collection comprises some 1,600 artworks from 120 emerging artists meant to serve as “windows to the world’s different climate zones, its flora, fauna, and habitat, and … impressions of the world we encounter as we travel,” according to Seabourn. Guests stay in oceanfront suites with walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, and if you spring for a Wintergarden suite, you get a glass-enclosed solarium with a soaking tub. The main pool is a plush lounging spot, but a floor above you may retreat to the Retreat, where you can rent a fancy cabana and have a private attendant deliver complimentary champagne and caviar and whatever else you’re craving. Some guests like to dress up onboard, while others would rather focus on relaxing in comfortable clothing. For those focused on the latter, a partnership with wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil, includes such experiences as a chakra-balancing crystal sound bath..

You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller. Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

2024: Best Day-Trip Boat Cruises on the Moselle River in Germany

moselle river cruise

The panorama excursion cruises are usually an hour with up to 12 departures per day. These panorama cruises are very similar and the best choice is usually simply the next boat to depart. Prices, around €12 for the one-hour cruise, are the same for both cruise lines. Buy KD cruise tickets online or simply from the kiosk or when boarding. From Koblenz, we left the Moselle River and began our cruise through the super scenic Middle Rhine Valley.

About Avalon Waterways

But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended. With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries.

Rhine River Facts

Why You Should Cruise Europe's Moselle River - Travel + Leisure

Why You Should Cruise Europe's Moselle River.

Posted: Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Picnic baskets are available for guests who venture out on their own. The “Active & Discovery” part comes into play with the choice of included excursions, which range from adventurous hikes and bike rides to easy-going brewery tours and wine tastings. So, perhaps it's less like a fairy tale, and more like a choose-your-own-adventure book.

Germany’s Oldest City of Trier

The Moselle cruise season is long with day-trip excursions and panorama cruises departing from Easter to October and also during the advent season over Christmas. Kolb is the main cruise line on the Moselle with KD currently only having a presence in Cochem — buy KD tickets online. The area around Bernkastel-Kues is probably the most beautiful and best part of the Moselle for day cruises but many boats operate also from Cochem and Trier.

One of our favorite places there was the dark and atmospheric wine cellars. Today, it is open for guided tours and has been a  filming site for the movie “In the Name of the Rose” and scenes from Game of Thrones. This very well-preserved medieval monastery was founded in 1136 and became one of the busiest in Germany and had the largest vineyard in the country.

As the sun was just beginning to set, our group paused to admire Porta Nigra, a Roman city gate (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that dates back to 170 C.E. If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses. Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and Luxembourg. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any country visited for the short duration of this tour.

For history enthusiasts, the Parish Church, dating back to the early 19th century, is a must-see, boasting a remarkable 12th-century tower. And to capture mesmerizing views of the meandering Moselle River, pass through the historical Porte Saint-Nicolas gate and discover Esplanade Remich Park, home to a fountain dedicated to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here.

Kolb operates most Mosel excursions and panorama cruises in Germany. Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD), the largest operator of pleasure boats on the Rhine River, currently limits its activities on the Mosel to sightseeing panorama cruises in Cochem — easily booked online. In between, it flows through Lorraine, one of France's most historic regions and the homeland of Joan of Arc.

Moselle river cruises

With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn. Cochem is also home to the Pestkapelle (Plague Chapel) and the Kapelle zu den drei Kreuzen (Chapel of the Three Crosses). While these two places of worship are by no means huge, their understated elegance and beautiful location make them well worth a visit. The Moselle River, or Mosel, is the Rhine’s longest tributary, yet only has 217 navigable miles, earning the nickname “Little Sister”.

This narrow, cobblestone street is full of lovely timber-framed buildings housing restaurants, wine bars, cafes and boutique shops. We enjoyed an evening here listening to music, sipping wine and indulging in a Rudesheimer Kaffee. The 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz was our last stop along the Moselle before switching to the Rhine.

moselle river cruise

Exploring Europe with a river cruise is a bucket list item for many people. It’s a wonderful way to visit various European highlights in a short time. Beautiful vineyards, historic fortresses, and quaint villages line its banks. The weather is mild, the valley’s residents are friendly, and the small towns along the waterfront are ridiculously charming.

Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps. Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal.

This stretch is part of a UNESCO site and is dotted with dozens of picturesque castles and fortresses, more quaint riverside towns and slightly less steep vineyards. The cruise begins in Luxembourg, in the small town of Remich, then whisks passengers through west-central Germany. It briefly sails on the Rhine, then on the Main River, before finishing in Frankfurt. Avalon Waterways is a leading river cruise company that offers unparalleled travel experiences along the world’s most scenic waterways.

One morning, as we approached Cochem, Germany, I opened the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows in my room, which instantly transformed the space into a private, open-air balcony. And since Avalon’s guest beds face the window (instead of the wall), I was able to curl up with an espresso and watch the storybook towns and towering castles pass by outside. And while so many European destinations have gotten a little too busy for comfort, the Moselle has remained quiet, serene. If your goal is a quintessentially European river cruise without the quintessential European crowds, the Moselle is the river for you.

65 Best Brown Hair with Highlights Ideas 2024 Styles

Table Of Content Dark Honey With Caramel Highlights Golden Copper Balayage Demi Lovato Shows Off New Shorter Hairstyle — See the Photo! Dark...