We love houses. Big ones. Small ones. Even the kind built for birds.
So in the spirit of bracket season, we’re giving away two crimson-and-blue-basketball-themed birdhouses. They’re perfect for birds looking to set up their own home court.
As always, our Home Tweet Home project keeps it local. Creative guy Doug Stremel designed the houses, and wood wizard Ron Darmon brought them to life. Another Lawrence original.
Want a shot at winning? Just fill out the entry form on this page.
Birds are super important to our neighborhoods for a bunch of reasons!
Pest Control – Birds like swallows, chickadees, and sparrows eat tons of insects, including mosquitoes and garden pests. That means fewer bugs bothering people and damaging plants.
Pollination & Seed Dispersal – Hummingbirds, finches, and other birds help pollinate flowers and spread seeds, which keeps gardens, trees, and green spaces healthy.
Ecosystem Balance – Birds help keep nature in check by controlling rodent and insect populations. Raptors like hawks and owls keep mice and rats from overrunning neighborhoods.
Beauty & Relaxation – Birdsong and the sight of colorful birds make neighborhoods feel more peaceful and enjoyable. Studies even show that watching birds can reduce stress!
Environmental Health Indicators – Birds are like nature’s warning system. If their populations start declining, it can signal environmental issues like pollution or habitat loss.
Education & Connection to Nature – Watching and learning about birds can help kids and adults appreciate the environment more and take better care of it.
Here’s a link to a handy bird identification app for your phone. It’s fun and informative. Give it a try.
> Merlin Bird ID (Smartphone app to help you identify the birds you see or hear)