bird houses

the keeper girls worked on their bird badge a few saturdays ago. out in the barn, mark and C helped them put together wren houses. i must say, those girls were mighty with those hammers! it took quite a bit of muscle and patience to get them nailed together and i was glad to see them persevere. then we learned about the best location to put the houses to attract wrens. if they put them up right away there is still a chance for a nest yet this summer since they commonly will have two broods and will build a new nest each time.

that morning we also learned about hummingbirds and filled a feeder with red sugar water. i was hoping we would see one visit the feeder right away, but they waited until everyone had gone home before showing themselves.

i put out a challenge to them to keep track of all the different birds they see in a week. the one who sees the most will win a prize. i can't wait to hear the results of their week of bird watching!

Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young-

a place near your altar,

O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Psalm 84:3

everyday gift: girls determined to pound those nails straight!