Issue: The birds are creating damage in the roof of the house while making their nests for the winter

Challenge: To build a birdhouse with recycled materials found in your backyard and mount it in a safe place

Observations: watch your back yard and make a mental note of these points -

• What type of birds visit your back yard and how big are they?

• Are there other animals that could pose a threat to the birds?

• Where would be the best place to mount the birdhouse?

Considerations: things to think about when planning, building and placement of birdhouse

• Size of the birdhouse and door opening

• The roof must cover the edges of the sides, and slope down form the front to back, so water/rain does not get inside

• It needs to have a landing pad for the bird to stand on before it goes inside

• When mounting, the door needs to face north so the cold winter southerly wind does not get inside

• Where to mount the birdhouse so it is safe from predators

Safety: PPE and keeping safe

• PPE Personal Protection Equipment - consider what might be needed and worn

• ONLY use hand tools

• YOU must plan and do all the building processes yourself

• However a reliable older person or adult may supervise and mentor you through the building stages

Finishing:

You may decorate the birdhouse, please make sure you only use safe WATER based paint on the outside only, so the birds and their chicks do not get sick

If you have any pea straw or hay, you could place a small amount inside to help the birds make their nest

Evidence: The completed challenge

I would love to see your amazing birdhouses, please send photos of the birdhouse and where it is mounted to vonda@motec.nz

Have fun, use your imagination and be creative ;)

PS: The pictures below show what materials I had to use at my home. You can use what ever you have as long as it is safe for the birds

I also wore steel capped boots because I had been doing other things in the garden and they keep my feet safe

When nailing I used safety glasses because sometimes bits of nail fly off when being hit with the hammer