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Three Easy Bird Feeders to Make with Kids

As families look for fun and educational ways to enjoy nature, making bird feeders is an ideal activity. Not only does it foster creativity and cooperation, but it also provides a valuable lesson in caring for wildlife. Creating your own bird feeders is an excellent way to engage children with nature, promoting an understanding of the ecosystem around them. Here are three easy bird feeder projects you can make with your kids, using items you probably have at home.

1. Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Materials Needed:

• Pine cones
• Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative)
• Bird seed
• String or twine
• A plate or dish

Instructions:

1. Start by gathering your pine cones from your garden or a nearby park. Choose ones that are open and have plenty of crevices for seeds to stick.
2. Lay out a plate or dish, and pour the bird seed into it — this will help with the next step.
3. Using a butter knife or a spatula, spread a generous layer of peanut butter onto the skin of the pine cone, ensuring you fill all the nooks and crannies.
4. Roll the peanut butter-covered pine cone in the bird seed, pressing down gently to ensure the seeds stick well. Make sure to cover it as thoroughly as possible.
5. Tie a length of string or twine around the top of the pine cone, creating a loop for hanging.
6. Find a suitable tree branch in your garden and hang your new feeder. Enjoy watching the birds and perhaps even keeping a log of your feathered visitors!

2. Milk Carton Bird Feeder

Materials Needed:

• Empty plastic milk carton
• Scissors
• String
• Bird seed
• Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by rinsing out your milk carton and removing the label. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Use scissors to cut a rectangular opening on one side of the carton, approximately halfway down, for birds to access the seed. Make sure the edges are smooth to prevent injury to any birds.
3. If you and your kids would like to decorate the feeder, this is the time to paint it! You can use non-toxic paint to brighten it up or even draw birds on it to encourage little ones’ creativity.
4. Once dry, fill the bottom of the carton with bird seed.
5. Use string to create a hanger by poking holes in the top edges of the carton and threading the string through.
6. Hang your feeder in a visible spot and observe the different types of birds that come to visit.

3. Toilet Roll Bird Feeder

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet roll
• Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative)
• Bird seed
• String or twine

Instructions:

1. Once you have finished using a toilet roll, clean it and set it aside.
2. Apply a generous layer of peanut butter all around the outside of the roll, making sure it’s well-covered.
3. Roll the peanut butter-covered tube in the bird seed until it is fully coated. This task can be especially fun for younger children, as they can get their hands messy!
4. Tie a string or twine around one end of the toilet roll, creating a simple loop for hanging.
5. Hang it from a nearby tree branch and watch as birds flock to enjoy a tasty treat.

Conclusion

Creating DIY bird feeders is not only a delightful way to spend time with your children, but it also fosters an appreciation for wildlife and the environment. Each project encourages creativity, learning, and a sense of accomplishment as kids watch their handiwork serve a purpose. So gather your materials, head outdoors, and let nature come to you! Happy birdwatching!

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