Phil Hebb of New Brunswick creates whimsical, homemade birdhouses. (CTV Atlantic/Alana Pickrell)
Phil Hebb can often be found in his workshop, doing something he’s loved since he was a kid: woodworking.
“Woodworking has always been a passion of mine,” he shares.
Four years ago, in retirement, Phil started “Phil’s Unique Birdhouses” after a request from someone looking for a custom-built birdhouse. It soon became a fulfilling hobby.
“I try to give all my birdhouses a whimsical look, avoiding square corners and making them irregular,” Phil says.
Today, his collection includes about 20 different designs, from his first piece—a unique “who-house” that’s also his best seller—to guitars and fiddles inspired by the musical group he shares with his wife, “Maple Sugar.”
Each birdhouse is brightly painted, often with rainbow hues, and his daughter, Kellie Hebb, sometimes adds hand-painted flowers for an extra touch. Phil’s wife, Sylvia Campbell, recalls how she and a friend spent a day painting the rainbow-colored roofs in their basement.
“I think it’s a wonderful hobby. I love going to the markets and hearing people say, ‘Oh, they’re so unique! They’re so whimsical,’” Sylvia adds, chuckling. “That word, ‘whimsical,’ gets used a lot!”
From designing and cutting the wood to assembling and finishing, Phil handles each step of the birdhouse-making process. He’s even done his research to ensure they’re bird-friendly.
“I wanted to know the most common hole size that would suit birds around here. Turns out it’s one-and-a-half inches, so that’s what I use,” he says. He’s also made some with smaller holes specifically for swallows, helping them avoid egg theft by other birds.
Phil’s creations have made their way across the Maritimes, Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and even into the U.S. Customers often share stories of birds nesting in his houses, while others mention having less success. Phil encourages them to experiment with placement, likening birds’ preferences to people’s: “If you have a beautiful home, but it’s not in the right spot, you’re not going to live there. Birds are the same way.”
Although he doesn’t want to turn it into a full business, making birdhouses has become a meaningful pastime. “Once I’m in the workshop, I’m lost in it, in a good way. It’s a hobby that just clears my mind.”
With a smile, he admits that the hobby has also made him familiar with the vacuum, since woodworking creates plenty of dust. “It’s a team effort keeping that under control,” says Sylvia. “He’s happiest when he’s creating.”
To find Phil’s birdhouses, you can call him directly or catch him at local craft markets. Built with both people and birds in mind, he hopes his creations bring happiness wherever they go.
“Picture this,” he says, smiling. “You’re lying in bed on a sunny morning, the window is open, curtains swaying, and you hear birds chirping outside. Isn’t that peaceful? That’s nature. That’s love.”
