Farmers Market Profile: Builder Brings Bird Houses to Clawson

The isn't just about fruits, vegetables and unique foods. One vendor is for the birds.

Jim Cadwell, 69, designs and makes bird houses of cedar with a stone exterior. His business is Bird Houses Plus and for three years he's had tables at art shows and farmers markets across Michigan.

"I've always liked bird houses," Cadwell said. "I just like birds."

Cadwell constructs the bird houses in his Roseville home and sells them for $15-$30. They come in a variety of sizes and designs.

"I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea," Cadwell said. "It's just a natural instinct I guess."

Cadwell said he has been collecting bird houses for 12 years and has about 30 in his yard.

He said many of his customers also collect bird houses. Some collectors just buy them as a hobby and never place them outside, he said. 

"Clawson was one of my better shows this year," he said.

Cadwell will be visiting other cities for the next two weeks but plans to return to Clawson on Aug. 21.

For more information or orders, contact Cadwell at 586-778-9212 or email jamescadwell@att.net.