Important Dates
• Birdhouse entries will be accepted March 11th - 16th at the Visitor Center front desk, Monday – Friday 9 am - 5 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 4 pm.
• April 10th at 5:30 pm — Awards reception and exhibit stroll.
• April 10th-June 29th — Birdhouse Exhibit on Birdhouse Trail
• July 1-6 — Birdhouses may be picked up. If birdhouses are not claimed by the end of the day on July 6th, they become part of the Ogden Nature Center’s permanent collection, and ONC has the right to discard any birdhouses that are not trail worthy.
Entry Form
Choose a category:
___ Artistic/Imaginative
___ Best use of Recycled Materials
___ Functional/Best for Birds
___ Well Built
And choose an age category:
___ Children 12 & under (assisted & unassisted)
___ Young adults ages 13-17
___ Group project all ages
___ Adults ages 18+
Name:
Name of Parent (if child is entering):
AddressCity/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone:
Title of Work:
Materials Used:
Price/Value: ______
For sale? __Yes __No
Are there any details about your birdhouse you would like the judges to know about?
Competition Goals
The goals of this birdhouse competition and exhibit are to:
• Encourage construction of functional and aesthetically pleasing birdhouses
• Encourage the use of environmentally sensitive materials
• Demonstrate ways to attract wildlife by creating unique backyard habitats
• Inspire creativity in backyard habitats
• Encourage artistic and hand-crafted approaches to birdhouse design
Entrants may visit the Ogden Nature Center to look at the installation site and to research birdhouse styles. Ogden Nature Center has several resources on creative birdhouses and construction requirements to attract a variety of birds.
Also, here is a very helpful guide for birdhouse sizes -- which includes suggestions for appropriate floor size, entry hole size, depth and hanging/mounting height for specific birds commonly found in our area. These are very specific specifications, but ultimately they will result in birds nesting in your houses!
Awards
• An interdisciplinary jury will select several entries in all categories: adult, children and family/team. Top winners will receive cash awards.
• Special awards will be given for entries which are well designed as homes for birds and incorporate recyclable and recycled materials and nontoxic finishes.
• Exhibitors whose works are chosen for the exhibit may designate whether their works are for sale. All works must remain on display for the duration of the exhibit through the end of June, 2024. Entries left at the Nature Center after that date will be considered a donation. Ogden Nature Center will not charge commission on pieces sold.
• In an effort to keep quality birdhouses parmanently displayed at the Nature Center, the top birdhouse builder will be awarded a "commission award" of $200 cash, and in addition, the Nature Center will offer to purchase the birdhouse or have the builder create another, with a commission of $200.
Exhibit Guidelines
We will accept one entry per person. All birdhouses must be original works created by the exhibitor. Commercially produced birdhouses or assembled kits will not be accepted. Ogden Nature Center reserves the right to refuse submissions. There is no fee for entering. The event judges will select which birdhouses are accepted into the exhibit. A limited number of entries will be accepted for the exhibit due to space restrictions.
Size limitations: The base of the birdhouse may not exceed 24" square. The height of the birdhouse may not exceed 36" tall, not including the post.
No propane tanks this year.
Consider DURABILITY when designing your creation.
The Ogden Nature Center encourages the use of recycled, reclaimed or sustainable building materials. Please consider the environment when choosing your materials.
All birdhouses must be freestanding and ready for installation outdoors. You must perch your birdhouse on the end of a post or attach a sturdy hanger. We will install birdhouses on posts at a depth of 1-2 feet.
Liability
Ogden Nature Center is a secure facility with chain link fencing surrounding the property. However, exhibitors are reminded that birdhouses will be installed outdoors in a nature preserve. Works will be subject to wind, rain, sun and severe weather, not to mention an occasional "avian guano bombing" by one of our resident "fly-bys" such as songbirds, hawks, or Canada Geese. Also, most birdhouses are displayed within reach of visitors and the trail is not monitored. By entering the exhibition, the exhibitor accepts responsibility for displaying his or her birdhouse under these conditions. Works are not insured, and the Ogden Nature Center accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage.
Sponsors
Weber County R.A.M.P.
Wasatch Audubon Society
Ogden River Dental
Pat & Glen Richter
Jack & Jodi Livingood
Robin & Brad Farr Family
Jeremiah's Restaurant
Shepherd's Bush Fine Needlework
Ogden Blue
The Prairie Schooner
If you would like to support this competition and exhibit through sponsorship, please contact us at .