Hello,
I am a teacher at a school with all special children. All of our students are members of the Boy Scouts and I recently found a set of drawings in Boys Life for a four compartment bird house. I proceeded to sell the idea of building approximately 50 of these houses as a merit badge project in woodworking.
While in the process of doing the preliminary cutting of these houses I found the Purple Martin Forum and wander what the Martin enthusiasts might think of this project.
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Also what is the general consensus on crescent versus round entrances?
As an adult scouter for many, many years, I support the project completely. I was also a teacher in public schools for a number of years.
There are many scouting activities you can tie a PM project into, besides woodworking, including conservation, nature, wildlife management, ect.
You said you are a teacher of "Special" students. That could mean anything from kids with learning disabilities to handicaps. But if any of you kids have been able to work through the advancement ranks, have them consider a public PM colony as he Eagle Scout Project.
I don't know what the Boys Life bird house plans look like, but do some checking about some of the many advances made in Purple Martin Housing in recent years. All of that can be found right here in the PCMA website.
Also, you and the boys have a wealth of information and expertise right here no the forum.
Ernie, would it be possible for you to scan the plans you are using from the Boys Life Magazine, and email them to me? I tried to find those plans online, but the only thing that came up was a BL plan for a bat house.
I've been on the lookout for a simple plan that I can work with the grandkids on. BL plans are always very basic, so that scout aged kids can handle them.
Hello,