Birdhouse project...

Since the title of the post is birds, bees, berries, and blooms, I figure I had better talk about birds at some point.  Here is an easy project for our feathered friends. 
    I love doing projects using the resources around me.  With 20 acres of aspen, birch, oak, and pines, I have lots of natural resources.  One project I enjoyed this summer involved making birdhouses out of downed aspen trees.  There are several aspen trees on the ground around our home.  Many were at one time bird houses.  I stress I used trees that had fallen over.  I don't what anyone to think I was cutting down little bird homes. 
     First, I cut above and below the holes.  I then scraped off the bark and sanded the outside to show off the worm galleries.  Some didn't need a top and bottom, but most did.  I stained the outside to slow deterioration and  reused some old wire we found on the property as hangers.  We love to shed hunt for antlers and I used the smaller ones as decorative perches. 

Beginning, middle, and final project.

      It was a fun project and they make great gifts.  When my sister came out this winter, I let my nieces each pick a birdhouse.  Then when I went to my sister's to help with the floors in the new house.  I was really excited to go with the girls to their new farm and let them pick where to put their bird houses.  It was a wonderful experience.   We spent the rest of the day checking to see if any birds have moved in. 
     If you have a few old trees on the ground I highly recommend this project.  It didn't cost a penny, but was a productive way to spend a couple of weekends and led to a great day with my nieces.

Good Lord!  Slow down Aunt Bonnie isn't that fast.