Bird Boxes!!!
 

Seemed like a good theme to put it in!!! :D

National Bird Box Week
February 14th - 21st

This awareness campaign was introduced by BTO - British Trust for Ornithology.

The hope is that by concentrating on a week when our feathered friends are looking for a new place to set up home ... the more safe choices there are for them to nest in - the more chance there will be for the broods to survive!

A great pattern for a Bird Box can be found here -> www.fow.org.uk/birdboxfow.htm - from a site that is packed with lots of other information as well.

Whilst out in the garden ... and if the mounds of fallen leaves aren't shouting at you too loudly to be cleared :janitor:.. download Omni Orangutan's Scavenger hunt and play 'hunt what's under the mound of leaves :D' - Half term is great for letting the children back outside to explore... so if you're building nest boxes and want an activity before or after ... use these sheets for some fun and games.

CRAFTS

:snail: Junk model bird boxes - turn them into nest boxes by cutting a small panel from the front of a cereal (or similar) box! paint brown and stick on paper leaves.
fill with soft materials that the children think birds would enjoy nesting in.
Use magazine pictures of birds to fill the box... if you have wall space create a display of all boxes made.

:leaf: Mischief Mouse has a craft for a Sakalava Rail which could be easily adapted to take on the appearance of a Robin or Blue tit! Sakalava Rail

:earth: Use colours 'loosely' to discover species of native birds...
Red = Robin,
Blue = Blue Tit
Black = Blackbird
Yellow = Yellow hammer
Brown = Sparrow (spadger or spodger... I have been told are 'local' names for the common sparrow :wink: lol )

Have fun and happy hammering :log:

Local sparrow names - don't forget 'spuggy'!!! LOL:rotfl:

Had one of my 'middle of the night' ideas!:idea: You could also use fresh juice cartons as they already have the 'roof'-style top.:cheerful: Then just decorate as Ruth has suggested.