Bird tree I made

[goodshep]

out of a bar stool, pot saucer, and an interesting branch. I used a cotton tug toy for a dog woven onto the branch with sisal for a ladder. Simon has claimed this one as his![/IMG]

[goodshep]

I don't know what I did but this one didn't come out either. Here's another attempt at the photo.

[Tom Lawless]

Amy, that is beautiful. My guys would love it if I were at all handy.

BTW, I checked out your website. I love the pictures of your dogs. I don't think I've ever seen an English Shepherd before. They are handsome dogs. You've got a nice collection of animals.

[goodshep]

Well thanks for the kind words Tom

My hubby helped me with the drilling. I could have done it but it would have taken me MUCH longer LOL. I've found a real outlet in making things for the birds. Very therapeutic.

And yes the ES are really awesome dogs; and somewhat of a heritage breed. They used to be quite common in the US but now are harder to find. We call them the farmer's best kept secret.

[Janawoo]

That's a great tree! I nabbed a few big branches when our neighbor's pine tree fell over during Ike and have been letting them dry out for a while now while I figure out what I'll do with them. This is a great idea! I love that you used a bar stool for the base.

[greencinacheeks]

Amy, very nice!!!

what kind of wood is that?

[Halo]

That's a really great idea!

We have a T stand that was made out of a cutting board that came with Marti. It's really quite handy!

[goodshep]

Originally Posted by greencinacheeks

Amy, very nice!!!

what kind of wood is that?

Its walnut. We had several trees down in our woods and one was a cotton wood. I grabbed a piece that looked interesting thinking it was cottonwood. Hubby informed me later it was walnut. It seems that all the interesting branches I find are walnut - lots of lateral growth that make good bird trees. I hesitated to use it at first because of conflicting advice on the safety of it. However, after quite a bit of research I came to the conclusion that the toxicity of walnut is primarily in the green leaves and hulls. This was well dried and for the most part the birds just use it to perch without chewing on it. Its been fine.