Make a birdhouse from a gourd

Children can create their own birdhouses using a dried vegetable. “The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids, Volume 2” gives step-by-step instructions on how to dry and make an attractive birdhouse from a gourd (with adult supervision, of course!).

Make a gourd birdhouse

Materials

• Round or curlicue-shape gourd, completely dried

• 12-inch ruler

• Drill or sharp knife

• Round stick or wooden dowel for perch, about 1/4-inch in diameter

• Weatherproof cord or string

It is important to choose a gourd that is large enough for a bird to live in but not too large to hang from a tree branch. To dry it, keep it in a warm area with good air circulation (this may take several months). When the seeds rattle and tapping it produces a hollow sound, it’s ready.

Using a drill or sharp knife, make the entrance hole at least one-third of the way up from the bottom of the large part of the gourd. Half an inch below the entrance hole, drill or cut a small hole the diameter of your stick or dowel perch and put the perch into the hole.

Make two or three small holes in the bottom of the gourd for drainage and two holes in the top for the cord hanger. Run a piece of cord though the holes in the top. Leave enough length to hang and tie it.

In the spring, hang the birdhouse on a branch where it can be seen. To attract many birds, make a few birdhouses and place them on neighboring trees.

For more fun facts and projects on astronomy, pets, health, nature, sports and weather, as well as a companion activity guide, go to http://www.Almanac4Kids.com.