Dwellings for our feathered families got a boost in style and substance at the first annual Build a Birdhouse Contest on August 8. The design/build competition was sponsored by Sherwood Forest Friends with Cedar Mountain Community Center and Sherwood Forest’s Nature Nuts.
Among the offerings from avian architects were a gypsy caravan, a castle crowned with a pink hennin (after the conical medieval headdress), and a meticulously carved Green Man.
Judging took place at the Cedar Mountain Community Center, where the Dearbaugh family won Best in Show for their Moss Mountain tableau. Sarah Dearbaugh and her children Micah, Hannah, and Blake created the entry in remembrance of Deb Pruitt, a recently deceased friend of the Cedar Mountain community, who left the family her art supplies.
These objects and natural materials foraged by the children were assembled into a whimsical birdhouse community, roofed with an old Cedar Mountain Welcome Center sign, and finished with watering basins and an aqueduct.
Cash and prizes were donated by Creekside Market, Susan Goldsworthy and Kirk Friedland, Harris Hardware, Tractor Supply and Wild Birds Unlimited.
Ribbons were presented to first, second and third place winners in three categories, plus an honorable mention and “Best in Show” award. Entries were judged on craftsmanship, aesthetics and imagination. Other winners included:
Adult: Mimi Francis, for her gypsy caravan, John Lawson for his hand thrown wren’s nest pot, Chad Betten for his carved abode, and an honorable mention to Cal Brown for his imaginative “living” birdhouse.
Youth: Bella, Della, Taylor, and Eve Reilly for their castle birdhouse.
Family: Garret and Graham Raper and their Popi for a house of recycled wood, nails and paint.
Sponsors encourage enthusiastic artisans to begin planning for the 2021 contest and to watch for the announcement of the deadline and date.
