The National Aviary is seeking entries for its first annual Best Bird House in the 'Burgh Design and Build Competition. This is your chance to get creative while building a welcoming home for one of the many species of birds that nest in western Pennsylvania. Adults and children of all ages are invited to submit their creations, just remember to follow the design specifications provided here. Whether you're thinking whimsical, elegant, rustic, or something in between, all ideas are welcomed and encouraged so long as your house is sturdy enough to withstand the elements. Click on for more details, and have fun building!


The Best Birdhouse in the 'Burgh is open to everyone, and we encourage all ages and skill levels to join in the fun! Entries will be segmented into the following categories:

Adult Professional
Adult Non Professional (ages 16+)
Child (ages 4-10)
Child (ages 11-15)


 

 

Each entry must follow basic design guidelines that will make the houses suitable for habitation and nesting by one of the following species categories listed below. See design specifications for each species category.

House Wren / Chickadee Nest Box
Floor: 4 X 4"
Box Height: 8-10"
Hole: 1 1/8", bottom 6-8" from floor
Mounting height: (bottom of box) 4-6 feet		   Eastern Bluebird / Tree Swallow Nest Box
Floor: 5 X 5"
Box Height: 8-12"
Hole: 1 1⁄2", bottom 6-10" from floor
Mounting height: 4-6 feet
     
Screech Owl/ Kestrel / Wood Duck
Floor: 8X8" (12X12" for Wood Duck)
Box Height: 12-15"
(15-20" for Wood Duck)
Hole: 3", bottom 9-12" from floor
(4", 12-16" for Wood Duck)
Mounting height: 8-12 feet
(as low as 4 feet, if mounted on post
in water, for Wood Duck)		   Purple Martin
Must have multiple compartments/
apartments; minimum of six.
Individual compartment dimensions:
Floor: 6X6"
Box Height: 6"
Hole: 2 1⁄4", bottom 2" from floor
Mounting height: 10-15 feet

Registration forms due


Drop off days - Children's Entries
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Children's Entries on display at the National Aviary


Winning ribbons placed for Children's Entries


Drop off days - Adult Entries
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Adult Entries on display at the National Aviary


Winning ribbons placed for Adult Entries


Lories Birthday Celebration and Recognition of Winners


Entries up for bid during Night in the Tropics


Birdhouse entries not auctioned at Night in the Tropics will be made available to individuals making a donation to the National Aviary after August 1, 2011. Check back here for more details!

 

 

Adult Professional:
Lifetime Membership, Penguin Swim
Raptor Experience for one; eight National Aviary guest passes, including VIP seats to a showing of Wings!

Adult Nonprofessional (ages 16+):
Lifetime Membership, Penguin Swim
Raptor Experience for one; eight National Aviary guest passes, including VIP seats to a showing of Wings!

Children Ages 4-11:
Bird Day Party Rental, with bird appearance; eight National Aviary guest passes
Penguin Connection for up to six people; eight National Aviary guest passes, including VIP seats to a showing of Wings!

Children ages 12-15:
Trainer for a Day for one; eight National Aviary guest passes, including VIP seats to a showing of Wings!
Raptor Experience for one; eight National Aviary guest passes, including VIP seats to a showing of Wings!


Bird houses will be judged on craftsmanship, creativity, use of sustainable materials, functionality and aesthetics. Houses should be hardy enough to be installed and used year-round in an outdoor setting. Ease with which the house can be mounted and cleaned will also be considered.

Houses must be portable by one person, and have the capability to either stand on a table or be hung. As much as possible, children's entries should be prepared by the entrant.

The Best Birdhouse in the 'Burgh Design Competition judging panel will include senior staff of the National Aviary, as well as artist Larry Barth; Janet McCall, executive director, Society for Contemporary Craft; Scott Shalaway, nature columnist, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Jane Werner, executive director, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh; and Sally Wiggin, anchor, WTAE-TV.

 


There are three ways to register:

Online:
· Complete our online form below.
· Click "submit"
· Click "print" to print out a copy of your registration form; bring a copy of your completed form when you drop off your entry

Snail Mail:
· Download form here
· Print and complete two copies of the PDF form
· Mail one copy to:

Best Birdhouse in the 'Burgh Design Competition
National Aviary
700 Arch Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

· Bring a copy of your completed PDF form when you drop off your entry

Fax:
· Download form here
· Fax PDF form to 412-321-4364
· Bring a copy of your completed PDF form when you drop off your entry

Questions? Email us at birdhouse@aviary.org or contact Robert Mulvihill, Director of Education, at 412.323.7235, ext. 449

Good luck everyone!

 

Best Birdhouse in the 'Burgh Registration

Register using the form below. Make sure to click "print" to print out a copy of your registration form; bring a copy of your completed form when you drop off your entry.
 
 

Name*
 

Address*
 

City*
 

State*
 

Zip*
 

Phone
 

Email*
 

Category*
 

Species*
 

I understand that all entries become the property of the National Aviary. Entries not auctioned for fundraising purposes will put to use in the Aviary's grounds and gardens, in Pittsburgh area parks, or used in conjunction with fundraising efforts
       
 
 
 


 

Winning ribbons for Children's Entries will be placed on June 18, and will be posted online. Winning ribbons for Adult Entries will be placed on July 8, and will be posted online. Winners will be invited to participate in a special recognition celebration in conjunction with the National Aviary's Lories Birthday Party on July 9.