I live on a small lot that has a few bushes and plenty of large trees that surround the house, a good area where many birds come around and search out for food. As the coldness began this month, there are only a few birds that I may see pecking away in the yard, but really far and between. This sparked an idea that it would be nice to place a bird feeder outside to keep birdwatching as well as feeding the birds too.
Now, I know bird feeders are a little pricey, but you can make them on your on with everyday items that you have. Here are two simple ideas to make a bird feeder. Your kids will get a kick watching the birds feed from something they created.
Tin Can Bird Feeder
- Large, clean soup can
- Ribbon
- Paint
- Stick
- Hot Glue
- Birdseed
Paint the soup can in any color and way you like. You can personalize it with a name, multiple colors, polka dots, however you like.
Once the paint has dried, lay the can on its side and glue the stick inside. Make sure that the stick is long enough to have the end stick out of the can. This will act as a perch for the birds to sit on.
Tie a ribbon around the can, while the can is still on it’\s side, allowing for a nice length at the opposite end so that you can tie it around a tree branch.
Fill the can with birdseed.
Pine Cone Bird Feeder
- Paper plate
- Pine cone
- Peanut butter
- Butter knife
- Yarn
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Using scissors, cut the yarn to the desired length that you want and firmly tie it around the to of the pine cone.
Use a butter knife to spread the peanut butter all over the pine cone. Add as much peanut butter as you can so that the birdseed will stick.
Pour birdseed onto the paper plate and begin to roll the pine cone in it and covering with the seeds.
Hang the bird feeder outside on a tree branch where you can see it from a window and be sure to tie it tight to make sure birds will not fall when trying to feed.
Do your kids love to bird watch?
Photo credits: Thinkstock
