I would appreciate any suggestions,

I'm building birds nests for a school that my daughter goes to, so that's my easiest suggestion. I've looked at several books and there seem to be quite a few nests that can be made with one cedar or cypress 1x6"x6' fence board. This eliminates the need for finishing, I rough cut out 6 of these things out of some old boards in about 1 hour. I'm going to drill all the holes and the nail starter holes and them let them finish putting them together, you can modify it and make it as simple or as hard as their level dictates. In a nutshell the one I'm building is: 3-1x6"x8" roof, rt side, lft side. 2-1x4"x8" front, back. 1-1x4"x4" bottom. On sides drill
4 1/4" holes 1"down from top. On front drill 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 (depending on bird in area). Cut off corners (about 1/2") of bottom for drainage. Assemble with galvanized nails (could use screws on one side if you want to clean out at end of the year) Attach a 1 3/4" x 14" board to back and attach to whatever.