New Birdhouse Competition Celebrates Local Landmarks

A new competition announced by the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center is for the birds -- literally.

The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center announced its first-ever "FOR THE BIRDShouse Competiton + Exhibit" on Friday.

The contest, which aims to honor New York and Long Island landmarks,  runs through Labor Day, with a kick-off event scheduled for March 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Aquarium that will include representatives fromLowe’s, Black & Decker, the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

Open to adults and children over the age of five who love unique garden art, New York, and Long Island, the competition seeks to give participants the opportunity to raise awareness about bird habitats, while expressing their own creativity in the following age categories: Nestlings (ages five-12); Chirpers (ages 13-20); and Fancy Flyers (ages 21 and over).

All types of birdhouses are encouraged – whimsical, beautiful, functional, and magical, Aquarium staff said – but all must depict a New York or Long Island landmark.

Prizes will be awarded; Aquarium guests will help pick the winners.

Birdhouses selected for display can be voted upon at the Butterflies & Birds! exhibit from July 1 – August 5, with top vote-getters put online on the Aquarium’s Facebook page for final voting; all winners will be announced on September 2.

Competition and Exhibit Guidelines

Entry forms and a $10 fee must be submitted by May 1. Every entrant will receive two tickets to the Butterflies & Birds! exhibit. All Butterflies & Birds! guests will be invited to judge the birdhouses during regular Exhibition Center hours, from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. from July 1 through August 5.

The top 10 vote-getters from each category will then be posted onto Facebook for online judging, with the winners from each category announced on September 2.

All birdhouses must be handmade; no purchased birdhouses will be allowed. The use of natural materials is encouraged, but Aquarium staff asked that participants consider the environment when choosing materials and finishes.

The base of the birdhouse must not exceed 24” square, and the height must not exceed 30” tall. All freestanding birdhouses must be ready for installation atop a post and include a label that entrants must attach in an inconspicuous location. A label will be provided to entrants when birdhouses are submitted for display.

All displayed birdhouses will be retained by Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center to be auctioned off by the non-for-profit Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation at the annual Oceans of Hope event to help preserve and protect the marine environment through education, rescue, rehabilitation, and research.

Prizes provided by the Aquarium & Exhibition Center, along with Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, will be awarded in the following categories:

Nestlings (ages five-12): Gift basket, Penguin Encounter, and one family membership to the Aquarium & Exhibition Center, one family membership to the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, along with one two-year subscription to The Osprey magazine, and monthly guided trips.

Chirpers (Ages 13-20): Gift basket, Penguin Encounter, and one family membership to the Aquarium & Exhibition Center, one family membership to the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, along with one two-year subscription to The Osprey magazine, and monthly guided trips

Fancy Flyers (Ages 21+): One overnight stay at the adjacent Hyatt Place East End & Resort Marina and one family membership to the Aquarium & Exhibition Center (restrictions may apply), one family membership to the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society, along with one two-year Subscription to The Osprey magazine, and monthly guided trips

For complete details, including registration forms, call the Exhibition Center at (631) 208-9200 ext. 260 or email wrodriguez@amwny.com.