5 Tips to Make DIY Birdhouses

Did you know there is an extinction crisis happening among birds? Birdlife International notes, “Instantly recognizable and beloved bird species including Snowy Owl, Atlantic Puffin, and European Turtle-dove are all now globally threatened with extinction.” Kids love learning about birds and can learn a lot from watching their behavior. Creating a bird sanctuary can be as easy as making a simple birdhouse. This project is best for school-age children. 

TIP #1: Invite children to learn more about the needs of birds.

With these threats of distinction, there’s a lot of information out now about birds. It’s time to get youth involved in understanding why birds are going extinct, the impact, and how they can help. For starters, invite children to research what birds need. This includes learning about what birds need for food, shelter, water, nesting, and shelter. This is a great starting point.

TIP #2: Talk about what a Bird Sanctuary looks like.

Once children have researched what birds need to survive; invite them to design their own bird sanctuaries. Encourage them to draw pictures.

TIP #3: Introduce Birdhouses.

Get curious. Ask questions.

• What makes a good birdhouse?
• Do birds actually use birdhouses?
• What is the purpose of a birdhouse?
• How do you set up a bird nesting box?

TIP #4: Build a Birdhouse.

There are many DIY Birdhouse kits that include all the materials needed to build. Here are a few options that I found:

• S & W Birdhouse
• Bird House Wood Kit

You can also collect materials and make your own birdhouse from scratch. The possibilities here are endless. 

TIP #5: Install, Observe & Reflect

• What did you learn about?
  •  Birds?
  • Birdhouses?
  • Woodworking?
  • How to help birds? 

Ask specific questions that are tailored to your own child, outdoor space, and/or a specific group. 

Adding a birdhouse to any backyard or schoolyard is a perfect project for o 

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