IronsBC supports the local arts festival - with bird houses

IronsBC helped kids build 150 bird houses
during the Shoreline Arts Festival
Photo courtesy IronsBC

The past weekend, June 24-25th, Irons Brothers Construction of Shoreline sponsored the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council's annual Arts Festival.

As a sponsor, our team of carpenters, design professionals, administrative, and sales staff not only manned a booth, but worked in the sweltering heat with kids on a building project.

For eight hours each day, our team built over 150 bird houses with local area children. Not only was this project a lot of fun and helping us to develop a future carpentry work force, but we also helped house over 150 birds and their families!! 

Here is some of the information we provided to the families who built bird houses with us:

Placement and when to put up

Some birds begin courtship and nesting activities as early as February, but most birds select sites from late March through May. This is also the time when most migrating birds return to Washington. 

Nest boxes can be set out as soon as you notice new birds arriving. However, newly made bird houses need to be set out in winter to weather and air out.

Photos courtesy IronsBC

Where

Boxes should be somewhat concealed, in partial shade and placed where predators can't get to it. Check to be sure birds have an adequate, clear flight path to the entrance hole. If possible, the entrance should face away from the prevailing wind. It usually helps to put the box on a habitat edge: between a group of trees and low-growing bushes, or between bushes and an open meadow, lawn or water.

Photo courtesy IronsBC

Tips on Attracting Birds

It may take some time for birds to discover your nest box, even a couple of breeding seasons, so be patient. LEAVE UNFINISHED, no paint or stain.

• Plant native trees and shrubs for food and shelter
• Avoid using insecticide sprays whenever possible
• Leave grass and bush cuttings for nesting material
• Provide clean water in a birdbath
• Plant colorful wildflowers that will attract insects for birds to eat
• Leave 1-inch to 4-inch lengths of string or yarn for nesting material
• Set out a feeder or two to entice suet and seed-eating birds 

For more bird tips and info on houses, visit WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife

To learn more about our Community Involvement click here

--IronsBC