N.B. man’s whimsical birdhouses attract buyers from afar

Phil Hebb, a retiree from New Brunswick, has always had a passion for woodworking. His love for creating unique birdhouses started four years ago when a friend asked him to build one. This hobby quickly turned into a small business known as “Phil’s Unique Birdhouses.”

Phil’s birdhouses are anything but ordinary. He takes pride in making each one whimsical and irregular, with no square corners in sight. His collection includes 20 different designs, ranging from traditional birdhouses to quirky creations like his best-selling who-house, inspired by Dr. Seuss.

What sets Phil’s birdhouses apart is the vibrant rainbow colors that adorn most of his creations. His daughter, Kellie, even adds hand-painted flowers to some of the homes. Phil and his wife, Sylvia, spent a day painting rainbow roofs with friends, adding a personal touch to each piece.

Despite the popularity of his birdhouses, Phil remains humble about his craft. He does everything from designing to cutting the wood to adding the finishing touches. He even did his research to ensure the birdhouses were suitable for local bird species, using a hole size recommended for nesting birds in the region.

Phil’s birdhouses have made their way across the Maritimes, Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and even into the United States. While some customers have reported success with nesting birds, others have had to move the birdhouses to find the perfect spot. Phil believes that birds, like people, have preferences when it comes to their homes.

Creating birdhouses is more than just a hobby for Phil; it’s a form of therapy. He finds solace in his workshop, where he can escape from the world and focus on his craft. His wife jokes that it has also taught him how to use a vacuum cleaner to keep the dust at bay.

If you’re interested in owning one of Phil’s unique birdhouses, you can order directly from him or find him at local craft markets. Each birdhouse is designed with both birds and people in mind, with the hope of bringing joy wherever they go.

As Phil puts it, listening to birds chirping on a sunny morning is pure bliss. It’s a reminder of the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures in life. So, next time you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your backyard, consider one of Phil’s charming creations.