Article and photos by Dee Renee Ericks
The recent Saturday Nest Box Building class was great fun for folks hoping to entice nesting swallows or chickadees into their yards this spring. The class offered insights into what birds need in a nest box for successful hatching, brooding and eventual fledging of their young.
OPAS President Ken Wiersema gave a short program detailing the qualities that make a nest box a safe and ideal location for parent birds to raise their nestlings. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Each participant was provided with pre-cut and drilled nest box pieces, screws, hand tools and step by step instructions. Help was readily available from staff experts. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Our new AmeriCorp interns, Eden and Jordan begin construction of their swallow nest box. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
These youngsters showed enthusiasm, and engaged with family members each step of the way. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Learning to use tools is a big accomplishment! Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Focusing on the smaller details leads to a job well done! Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Dow Lambert lends a helping hand at a perplexing moment. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Its coming together! Dave Coats oversees placement and alignment of the numerous screws important for structural integrity. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Ken Wiersema in the thick of action! Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
A happy nest box builder! The box is now ready for immediate mounting in a suitable, safe location. Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Accomplishment! Smiles all around! Photo by Dee Renee Ericks
Here is the team that made it happen. Incoming swallows thank (from left) Len Zeoli, Dow Lambert, Dave Coats, Ken Wiersema, Jason and Anna Bausher. Get your nest boxes up!