Birdfeeder Projects

These birdfeeder projects will help you and your child to create inviting buffets for your feathery friends.

Pine Cone Feeders

Materials:

• Pine cones
• String
• Peanut butter
• Bird seed
• Wax paper

On your next hike, have your child collect a few large open pine cones. When you get home, tie pieces of heavy string to the end of each pine cone. Next, help your child spread peanut butter all around the pine cones. Be sure to fill all the openings and any cracks. Spread birdseed on wax paper and then have your child roll the pine cone in the seed. He/she can even press some seeds inside each opening. Hang the pine cone feeder on a tree, away from other branches to prevent squirrels from raiding it. Watch and observe who comes to visit. Replenish as needed.

Suet Feeder

This high fat snack is a perfect winter time feeder since it provides birds with the calories they need to stay warm.

Materials:

• Heavy-duty string
• Bird seed
• Wax paper
• ½ m nylon netting (with large holes)
• Lard or suet (from the butcher)
• Heavy-duty string

Have your child spread the bird seed on a piece of wax paper. Next, have him/her roll the suet into the seeds, covering it entirely, and then slowly roll the mixture into a ball. Place suet ball into the centre of the nylon netting (available at fabric stores) and gather up the edges. Tie netting tightly around the suet with heavy-duty string. Finally tie the suet feeder to a branch. Alternatively, you can try this using shortening instead of suet.

For more information, please see:

Birdfeeders by Renee Schwarz (Kids Can Press)

By Rochelle Strauss