Last year, Elaine Buckner and her fiancé, Rob, first observed the engineering efforts of an ambitious, albeit misguided, bird in their backyard.

The bird, a robin, had chosen a stretch of their downspout — beneath the awning of their roof — as the perfect place to build a nest.

The only problem was, though, all the sticks and twigs she’d place there would simply slide off to the ground.

“I thought it was so sad,” Buckner told The Dodo. “She was trying so hard to get the nest started. Her materials would drop, and she’d fly down and try again, and again.”

Ultimately, the robin had to abandon her nest-building project that year. But she apparently didn’t learn her lesson.

This year, Buckner saw that she was at it again, trying to pile up materials on that unbefitting spot.

Rather than watch the robin fail yet again, Buckner decided to get creative.

At the suggestion of Rob, Buckner ordered a small, plastic basket — one that french fries are often served in.

And, while the bird was away, they affixed it to the would-be nesting site that the bird was so clearly committed to making work out.

Sure enough, the bird got the message — this new addition had been placed there to help.

“The next morning, though, the basket was full [of nesting material],” Buckner said. “I was so happy to see her finally in a nest. It is a prime location.”

The lucky robin had been trying to build a house. Buckner and Rob gave her a home.

Now she has all she needs to start a new family.

This year, Buckner is optimistic that the mama bird will meet with much more success in welcoming little ones into the world in her basket-based nest.

“We are excited and wish her luck!” Buckner said. “She’s been in the nest all morning today. It’s the most time I’ve seen her spend in the nest, so I’m wondering if there are eggs already!”