Birdhouses and Kids

When my youngest was about five years old, we had a project to make bluebird houses. I spent some time cutting out the pieces, then she and I did the sanding and assembly of the houses. After I set the nails she would hammer the nails in the last few millimeters. She enjoyed putting coats of linseed oil on the houses to help preserve the wood from the elements. Thirteen years later, one of those houses is still in our backyard here in Texas and has been used several times. I know that our houses have made their way to North Carolina and Colorado, also.

About the time my daughter and I had become accomplished in building our houses, my church decided to have an auction. My daughter entered one of her bird houses in the auction. Little did we know what was to ensue. A bidding war (albeit good natured) erupted between a couple of gentlemen that culminated in a high price of $48. This was way beyond our wildest dreams and far beyond the worth of the house itself. Yet, as is said, the effect on my daughter was, and still is, priceless. She still talks of that experience. We have conversations with the buyer about the house and how many nests have been built in the house, the fledglings seen, and on and on.

So, what started out as a springtime project has given us years of enjoyment and supplied us with fond memories. I would encourage as many people as possible to consider such an activity. Those of you looking for some project and a way to spend time with your kids might well consider such. Who knows, you, too, may have an experience like we had and be able to look back with Swarovski Dragon on a “simple springtime project”.

Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Swarovski Outlet Store Society. Visit http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com for Birdhouses, and happy birding!

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