Ginger Bread Bird Friendly House

[becca-red]

I have seen this challenge every year and been impressed with the entries. Having recently moved to a new country, among  other things I have committed my self to is completing Crafster challenges until I start work to keep my self amused. But as the deadline approached,  after the Christmas excess (and the yet to be eaten Christmas treats). I really did not feel like making more sugary food.



So I decided to make a ginger bread house for my feathered friends who visit my balcony. Obviously birds are not meant to eat, sweets, salt or large amounts of refined starch (mind you neither am I).  So I did some research discarded my first few ideas. Learned about feeding wild birds and finally when all else failed asked my friend who is a park ranger and ornithologist, about feeding ginger to birds.



 As outlined in the challenge the I could if I decided eat the bird house but I sure I would not like it. The roof and front and back are made of bird friendly ginger bread (no salt, little sugar and rough grain flour) The side walls have ginger bread harts and are made of lard seed cakes (sunflower seeds, puffs, coconut lard) with string to hang it. Its stuck together with my husbands pure peanut butter and melted coconut fat (shhhh). I decorated it with nuts, seeds and chilies.



I am writing this by the window with my camera. To try and snap any guests. I managed to scare the first one off.

Gotcha!



Finally later I will take it down  and feed it little by little to the birds to stop the risk of infection.

[DreamyDahlia]

This is wonderful! You met your goal of entering the challenge, the birds will be well fed and will adore their new neighbor and we readers are a little smarter about  feeding birds! I love every aspect of your entry. 

[Tropicbird]

Wow. I agree with the previous post. This is totally amazing-- original, imaginative and such a kind-hearted gift to your window guests. And adorable, too, especially with the little bird perched on top. I'm so happy you joined this challenge and shared your creativity to inspire the rest of us. Splendid!

[Aislynn]

Oh, this is such a wonderful idea!  And it's so festive!

[sweets4ever]

Ooo, this is wonderful on so many levels.  Thanks for entering and the birdies thank you as well!

[maytina]

What a great idea! So sweet!!

[mezcraft]

This is so freaking cool! I love the twist you have put on the gingerbread house, it's really original and totally awesome.  Coconut fat? wicked.

[leishi25]

What a unique idea, we love feeding the winter birds so we can enjoy their company with gingerbread people but this house takes the cake (yeah, pun intended)

[baerbel]

This is great - I love your wonderful idea!

[Knickertwist]

Love this! I still have the remnants to last years gingerbread fiasco in my cupboard so I didn't want to make another BUT I love this idea.... I just might have to make one of my own!

[kittykill]

So clever! I love this idea!

[tinybits]

I realy like it. I voted for you I hope you win, you did a great job...

[Calabaza]

Super idea and I love how it turned out too! The coconut walls look amazing.

[becca-red]

Thank you every one for your kind comments.

It is now minus 14 here and the snow is again thick on the ground, the birds are making full use of the balcony feeders.

Need to start the next challenge this week. Its going to be fun.

[KimmyLynne82]

This is awesome! I love the reason you decided to make a birdhouse/bird feeder, and I love that you took the time to actually research what would be OK for the birds! Really well done!!

Would you be willing to share your recipe for the bird-friendly gingerbread??

[I Sew Cute]

I love anything animal friendly & think that your birdhouse is not only adorable to look at, but is so thoughtful & caring for our feathered friends! Great work!