Build a birdie abode

If you haven't started your birdhouse for this year's N&O Birdhouse Competition, it's time to start hammering. This year's contest is less than three weeks away: April 8-11 at JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh.

Among the events this year is a lecture, "Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitat," presented by Helen Yoest of Gardening With Confidence. The lecture will be 7:30 p.m. April 8. The arboretum also will have a plant sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 10 and from noon to 6 p.m. April 11.

Competitors may register their birdhouses from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 9. No entries will be accepted after 6 p.m. Judging begins at 6:30 p.m. Birdhouses will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 10 and from noon to 5 p.m. April 11.

Adults (ages 16 and older) will be judged in Serious and Flights of Fancy categories. Children's entries will be judged in four age groups: 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15. Also this year, two All Things Botanical theme awards will be given out. Awards will go to one adult and one child's entry.

For more information, including a schedule of events, go to the arboretum's Web site at bit.ly/ 9LoA1u.