The exhibit will be on display April 18th through June 30th!
Over 120 birdhouses will soon be added to Birdhouse Trail. Come out and see the inventive and clever creations!
Judges
We are excited to have the following distinguished judges for the 2025 competition:
K Stevenson
Originally hailing from the upper Midwest (think Minnesota lake loons), “K” (Kathleen) Stevenson, is a Utah artist working primarily in printmaking and sculpture installation. Following her MFA degree from the University of Notre Dame, she was appointed in 2001 to her current position in the Department of Visual Art & Design at Weber State University. She has taught a variety of art subjects including art education, worked with the Beverly T. Sorenson Arts Learning Program, and currently teaches in the printmaking area. Her work has been exhibited locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
As a strictly (but sincere) amateur “birder,” it is not unexpected that this avid interest would combine with her art endeavors; especially during her summer sojourns back to the family cottage on Clearwater Lake.
Erinne Roundy
Erinne Roundy is a graphic designer and visual art teacher at North Davis Preparatory Academy in Layton and the program assistant with the Arts Learning Collaborative at Weber State University. She also adjuncts in the Honors department on campus. She is currently working with the Ogden Nature Center, along with both elementary and WSU students, to create and expand the faux-stained glass art installation piece (which includes birds found in Utah's three main habitats) that can be viewed in the L.S. Peery Education Building's classroom spaces. Her appreciation for all feathered friends comes from her mother who would pull over to the side of the road whenever she saw the neighborhood peacocks to "talk" to them.
John Neill, Wildlife BiologistGreat Salt Lake Ecosystem Program
John Neill works with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources as an Avian Biologist for the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program. He began with the Program in 2001 and has developed a deep appreciation of the Great Salt Lake and its abundant life.
Important Dates
- March 17-22, 2025 -- Entries accepted at the Ogden Nature Center's Visitor Center front desk. 966 W. 12th St., Ogden, Utah. Open Mon.-Fri., 9 am - 5 pm and Sat., 9 am - 4 pm.
- April 17 at 5:30 pm -- Opening reception and exhibit stroll for competition winners. Winners will be notified to attend. Refreshments will be served.
- April 18 through June 30 -- Birdhouses will be on display for the duration of the exhibit. Entries left at the Nature Center after July 1st will be added to the permanent collection or discarded.
How To Enter
Bring your birdhouse to the Ogden Nature Center from March 17 to 22, 2025. Entries will not be accepted after 4:00 p.m. on March 22nd.
Click below to print and complete the form.
Competition Goals
The goals of this birdhouse competition and exhibit are to:
- Encourage the 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 research birdhouse styles. Ogden Nature Center has several resources on creative birdhouses and construction requirements to attract a variety of birds.
Awards
- An interdisciplinary jury will select several entries in all categories: adult, children, and family/team. The top winners will receive cash awards.
- Special awards will be given for well-designed entries that incorporate recyclable materials and non-toxic finishes, such as homes for birds.
- Exhibitors whose works are chosen for the exhibit may designate whether their works are for sale. All works must remain on display for the exhibit through the end of June. Entries left at the Nature Center after June will be considered a donation. Ogden Nature Center will not charge a commission on pieces sold.
- To keep quality birdhouses permanently displayed at the Nature Center, the top birdhouse builder will be awarded a "commission award" of $200 cash, and the Nature Center will offer to purchase the birdhouse or have the builder create another, with a commission of $200.
- A Big Year! This year marks the Nature Center's 50th Anniversary! In addition to our regular categories, we will have a special award this year for a birdhouse that best celebrates the Ogden Nature Center.
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, please.
Consider DURABILITY when designing your creation.
The Ogden Nature Center encourages using 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 provide a perch for your birdhouse -- a post or attach a very sturdy hanger if your birdhouse is lightweight. We prefer posts. We will install birdhouses on posts at a depth of 1-2 feet -- so be sure your post accommodates the depth of planting.
If you are interested in building a birdhouse that is best for specific species of birds, check out the following guide: Birdhouse Size Requirements
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 their birdhouse under these conditions. Works are not insured, and the Ogden Nature Center accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage.
Sponsors
Huge thanks to our generous 2025 sponsors who make this competition and exhibit possible: Jeremiah's Restaurant, Wasatch Audubon Society, Ogden River Dental, Pat & Glen Richter, Jack & Jodi Livingood, Robin & Brad Farr Family, The Prairie Schooner, Ogden Blue, Intermountain Farmer’s Association, and Shepherd's Bush.
