Making a birdfeeder is such an easy and fun activity for kids to engage in. By following the steps below, you and your little ones can make and properly hang an eco-friendly bird feeder that will have a positive impact on local species, while attracting beautiful birds to your home.
What You’ll Need
Tools
1. Scissors
2. A butter knife (or another tool for spreading peanut butter)
3. A bowl
Time: less than 10 mins
Other Materials
1. A pinecone (try to find a big one, so that birds can easily access the food that you’ll decorate the pinecone with!)
2. 4 pieces of twine, cut into 8” to 10” strands
Bird Food
1. Peanut butter (Are peanut allergies a concern? Just swap peanut butter for cooking lard or vegetable shortening.)
2. A bowl of birdseed (black oil sunflower seeds, millet, Nyjer seeds, and safflower seeds are great choices because they provide birds with high sources of protein and calories, which they need to fly! See if you can find a mix of these seeds online!)
Steps
1. Gather all materials into one area, ensuring that children cannot easily access scissors and other sharp tools.
2. Brush or shake off the pinecones to gently remove any dirt.
3. Tie each piece of twine around the top of each pinecone (the top of a pinecone is the pointiest part!). Ensure that you leave enough loose twine to tie the pinecone around a tree branch when you hang it later on.
4. Use the butter knife (or other tool) to spread peanut butter on the pinecone, ensuring that you fill in all crevices that exist between the pinecone’s scales.
5. Roll the pinecone in the birdseed until it is well-covered.
6. Hang the bird feeder on a branch or other area by firmly tying the twine around the hanging surface of your chosen site.
Make sure that:
· the feeder is at least 4m (157 inches) away from any glass windows
· any nearby glass windows have decals or UV stickers on them
· the feeder is in an area that predators cannot easily access
Tips
1. If you don’t plan to set your birdfeeders out right away, they can be stored in a freezer for a few weeks to keep them fresh.
2. Check with local authorities before choosing to hang birdfeeders in areas that are outside of your backyard, such as in forests or local parks. This may not be permitted in all areas.
Things to Consider before Making a Birdfeeder
Here are a few additional points that every birding enthusiast should know before making a birdfeeder.
Birdfeeders may attract unwanted wildlife.
Raccoons, squirrels, and even bears have been known to be attracted to backyards by birdfeeders. Cleaning up any fallen seed around the bird feeder, and including foods that birds will readily consume, can reduce the chances of inviting these unwanted guests.
Birds are chatterboxes!
Because birdfeeders attract birds, expect to hear more bird songs, chirps, and calls around your home if you choose to hang a birdfeeder in your backyard!
Learn more about bird feeders in our post here!
What are your favorite birds? Do you have special tips for attracting your favorite birds to your home? Let us know below!
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