New Birdhouses!

They're unique and gorgeous! They could be inhabited by finches, nuthatches, wrens, or other small birds. They would make excellent gifts for any bird lover.

They are made from reclaimed cedar, and decorated with a reclaimed hinge and drawer pull (both purchased from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore). Each one is unique thanks to natural variations in the cedar pieces used (some have curvy edges on the roof), and also thanks to a unique nature scene decorating the front of each house. The nature scene (clipped from a magazine) is glued down and covered with several layers of a clear finish to protect it from the weather. It is recommended that an additional layer of clear finish be brushed or sprayed on each year to prolong the beauty of the birdhouse.

How can you purchase one of these beauties? Shop on Etsy, stop by the market to see us on Saturday mornings, or stop by the house! Special orders are welcome!

Why Would I Want to Encourage Bats to Live in MY Yard?

We've been surprised at the interest in and popularity of bat houses at the market this summer. We started out with a couple, sold out, and have since made more, in several sizes and designs. We've found that when it comes to bat houses, there are two reactions: "Bat houses! Cool, I've been wanting to put one of those up!" Or, "Bat houses? YUCK! Who wants bats around, anyway?"

I have to admit, I'm not terribly fond of bats. They're just kind of creepy. However, they are very beneficial creatures to have around. According to Bat Conservation International, they are important pest controllers, pollinators, seed dispersers. Believe it or not, a single brown bat can eat as many as 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in just one hour! Imagine how many of the little pests a whole colony of bats could take care of in an evening!

A lot of people are concerned about the risk of disease from exposure to bats, rabies in particular. However, since rabies can only be spread by direct contact with an infected animal (generally from bites), the risk is very minimal. Children should be taught never to handle any wild animal.

For more information on bats, bat conservation, and installing a bat house, visit Bat Conservation International. They also have guidelines for safe and humane bat exclusion. Help the bats! Put up a bat house on your property today! Our bat houses are built according to guidelines provided by Bat Conservation International.