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Birds wintering in Weston flocked to their new homes this week, care of Girl Scout Troop 50029. The troop spent more than a year researching, planning and building 25 birdhouses, which are now at Bisceglie Park, troop leader Janice Pavlides Hayes said.
"They needed a project that was an outreach to the community, that was sustainable and that was age appropriate and they could do the work," Hayes said. Her daughter, Olivia, said the project taught her a variety of skills.
"It was really fun because we got to meet with a lot of people to put the birdhouses together," the Weston High School freshman said. "We learned a lot about the different birds that are around this area all year, and we learned that most of them are very friendly."
Local carpenters volunteered their time to help the girls cut the wood and showed them how to operate a pneumatic nail gun. "It was fun cutting the wood and making the birdhouse come alive," said WHS freshman Rachel Spencer.
The Rev. Diane Carter from Norfield Church also helped the girls from start to finish. "Diane helped us a lot," Rachel said. "We went to her garage and got her tools, and she showed us how to cut up the wood."
Both Rachel and Olivia said the building aspect was intimidating, but Carter gave them the confidence and skills to complete the houses.
"Diane's phenomenal, she's a great teacher," Janice said. "She imparts the information, shows them how to do it and lets them go."
First Selectman Gayle Weinstein paid the girls a visit during the birdhouse installation. "They looked really good," Weinstein said. "I was very impressed with their work."
Samantha Parker introduced the troop to the birdhouse idea, and they also received help from Parks & Recreation Director Dave Ungar.What kind of birds do you enjoy watching?
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