The Andrew Stiles’ Build a Birdhouse Project

I have a fun and educational hands on activity for elementary students, ideally Grades 1, 2 and 3. Building functional nesting boxes for wrens, chickadees, bluebirds and swallows is easier than you think. I have all the pre-cut wood, hammers and nails for everyone to build and take home their own birdhouse for only $10 per student. My hope is to instill in young people a love for the natural world.

This is a great afternoon school project, starting with a slideshow (35 minutes) then 1.5 hours for building. I always find the event well received, no matter what the age. Curriculum fits:
Science 1: Needs of Animals and Plants and Building Things
Science 3: Animal Life Cycles and Building with a Variety of Materials

Topics cover in my talk:
How to be a cool Birdwatcher
Who’s who in your feathered neighbourhood
The life cycle of Bluebirds and Swallows
Hammer and Nail basics, plus filing and sawing
How to build and set up your very own functional birdhouse
Daily actions to be an environmental champion

Andrew Stiles
8840 33rd Ave NW
Calgary, Alberta
T3B 1M5
(403) 288-0733
andrewprestonstiles@yahoo.ca

Even six year olds can put one together!

Because of many teachers inviting to their classes for a building day, I have helped thousands of grade school students build their very own birdhouse from pre-cut wood that I supply.
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Here is a great news clip that tells the story on location!  Thanks to Mr. Janz of CTV

The Stiles Birdhouse Top Ten Functionality Features

1. It has no perch. Tree holes in the wild have no perches, so the birds that use nest boxes do not need them. They can be a disadvantage in that they may attract House Sparrows, an invasive species that often takes over nests from our native hole-nesting birds.
2. Entrance Hole Size is just right. Bluebirds need an entrance hole 1 9/16 inches in diameter. This size also keeps out Starlings (which can get in 1 5/8), another invasive species that takes over nest boxes from native species.

3. Floor Dimensions. The inside dimensions of the box are at 5 inches by 5.5 inches so that there is room for the young to develop.

4. Box Height. The distance from the bottom of the entrance hole to the floor of the box is at least 5 inches. This keeps the developing young well down in the box and away from predators that might approach the entrance hole.

5. Removable Roof. This helps in two ways: to monitor the progress and health of the young; and to clean out the box at the end of the season.

6. Ventilation. There is a gap at the top of the box to let hot air out when the sun beats down on the box in summer.

7. Drainage. The floor of the box is slightly thinner to allow any water to drain out of the box.

8. Attachable to fence posts or trees because the back extends past the floor.

9. Made of sturdy 3/4 inch thick plywood that will insulate the birds from cold and heat.

10. The roof Overhangs and is sloped to shade the entrance hole and keep the rain out.

Birdwatching for kids

May thru July, I love to show young people the birds up close as they nest in my birdhouses.  Big Hill Springs park is perfect for curious kids that want to see the birds right when they hatch.