The Great News and Observer Birdhouse Contest

May 10 and 11, 2003

Are you serious about building a better birdhouse, or do you think a birdhouse is a frivolity, just an excuse to let your creativity take wing?

Either way, you should enter The Great News and Observer Birdhouse Contest at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

For grown-ups we have two categories: Serious Bird Housing, in which the judging points will be practicality and craftsmanship, and Flights of Fancy, in which creativity will be rewarded, and the possibility that a bird could or would actually build a nest in your creation is secondary.

We also have a children's category, for ages 12 and younger.

First-prize winners in each category will get $50.00 from The News & Observer and a year's membership in the JC Raulston Arboretum. First, second, and third-place winners in each category will also get a T-shirt from the arboretum. Each entrant in the Children's category will get a bag of goodies from The N&O. And, of course, the winners' creations will be featured in the Home section for all the Triangle to see.

To enter, reserve a spot by calling Home section editor Bill DuPre at (919) 829-4758 or sending e-mail to dupre@newsobserver.com. Be sure to put "Birdhouse Contest" in the subject line. Entrants should take their birdhouses to the Arboretum on Beryl Road in Raleigh by 9:00 AM, May 10.