This early 19th century outdoor aviary design is intended as the chief feature of a flower garden. The aviary is in the center of an arcade of woodbine, roses, jessamines, and other creeping and flowering shrubs. In front of the outdoor aviary is a small water pond for gold and silver fish that is ornamented by a fountain. The roof of the aviary design projects upward to afford shelter and protection to the birds during the months they are permitted to remain in such enclosures. The supports are formed for the purpose of receiving foliages. The banks slope to the water and are embellished by flower beds, enclosed by iron basket-work.
Outdoor Aviary
You would find all kinds of native song birds do well in an outdoor aviary design, as well as many foreign birds. You must, however, guard against keeping them either too warm or close in winter, and protect them from hot sunshine in summer by covering the glass roof with some kind of shading material. Wire netting would be the best thing for the front.
Cover the floor with an inch or so of gritty sand and provide two or three evergreens in pots, such as Box or Fir. The evergreens will add to the rustic appearance of the interior and form resting places for some of the birds. Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, Linnets, Greenfinches, and Redpolls would be very suitable. If you kept pairs, some, such as Greenfinches and Redpolls, would breed freely; others, such as Linnets and Goldfinches, would pair with hen Canaries. A few nest-boxes or tiny cages should be placed in retired corners for the reception of the nests.
