Wood Ducks looking for a nesting cavity this spring will find 20 more big nest boxes to choose from in the Lake Lillian area of southwest Minnesota (photo by Noella Beaudoin). Some of the enthusiastic families that assembled 20 bird feeders and 20 Wood Duck nest boxes last Saturday at work (photo by Macy More).

In a small rural Minnesota town of 246 residents, local families filled the Lake Lillian Community Center as adults helped children with a special wood working project – to construct 20 Wood Duck nest boxes and 20 bird feeders. The participants included children as young as 3, teens, parents, and grandparents who were so motivated that it took just an hour for everyone to complete the 40 birding projects last Saturday afternoon.

We wanted to share the enthusiasm created by this second annual community event and hope it may serve as an example for birding clubs, nature centers, and other groups interested in providing more nesting sites for cavity nesting ducks, kestrels, and screech owls. Also, providing more bird feeders in such a small community will surely benefit birds in the area, while elevating an interest among some new young people to learn more about birds and birding. Hats off to the people of Lake Lillian, Minnesota!