2026 Heartland Annual
Bird House Challenge
You're not dreaming!
It’s the moment you've been waiting for... the chance to once again combine your love of woodworking with your love of birds.
The Bird House is a timeless project because it appeals to every skill level. We encourage you to challenge yourself on this, but also have fun with it. The birds don't judge, they just like a home.
Make any kind of bird house, bird feeder, or similar item for sale at the Spring Home Show held at the Tinley Park Convention Center Feb. 21-22.
What are the rules?
We are a woodworking club so make it out of wood. The rest is up to you.
What's it for?
This is a fundraiser for the club, so proceeds from all items sold will go to benefit the club.
What's the deadline?
All birdhouses must be turned in by the February Meeting on Thursday, Feb 12, 2026. If you can't make it to the meeting, someone can swing by your house to pick up your birdhouse. Email jason@heartlandwwc.com to make arrangements.
Free Birdhouse Plans
It’s the moment you've been waiting for... the chance to once again combine your love of woodworking with your love of birds.
The Bird House is a timeless project because it appeals to every skill level. We encourage you to challenge yourself on this, but also have fun with it. The birds don't judge, they just like a home.
Challenge Details
What are we doing?Make any kind of bird house, bird feeder, or similar item for sale at the Spring Home Show held at the Tinley Park Convention Center Feb. 21-22.
What are the rules?
We are a woodworking club so make it out of wood. The rest is up to you.
What's it for?
This is a fundraiser for the club, so proceeds from all items sold will go to benefit the club.
What's the deadline?
All birdhouses must be turned in by the February Meeting on Thursday, Feb 12, 2026. If you can't make it to the meeting, someone can swing by your house to pick up your birdhouse. Email jason@heartlandwwc.com to make arrangements.
Some quick notes
- This project is for the birds, but it's also a fundraiser for the club. So lean in and participate!
- Birds are safest when the house blends in a bit with the tree, but the fancier birdhouses sell better. So you really can't go wrong.
- Remember to bring it to the February meeting!
Need some help getting started?
Here are some birdhouse plans to inspire you.Free Birdhouse Plans
A Hole Guide
*Not to be confused with the A-hole guide
| 1" or less | House Wrens. |
| 1 1/8" | Chickadees, Wrens, Nuthatches. |
| 1 1/4" | Titmouse, Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler. |
| 1 3/8" | Tree Swallows, Violet-green Swallows. |
| 1 1/2" | Eastern Bluebirds, House Wrens, Tree Swallows (also fits Starlings, so precise 1.5" is key). |
| 2" | House Finches, Purple Martins (2 1/8" for Martins). |
| 2 1/2" | Northern Flickers, Wood Ducks (larger, often oblong). |
| 3" | American Kestrels, Eastern Screech-Owls. |
| 3.75" x 4.5" (elliptical): | Barn Owls. |
| Larger than these: | You screwed up. Cut your losses and start over. |