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Bird Feeders for Kids to Enjoy
by Milafel Hope Awe
Description: Fun, easy bird feeders for kids to make.
Bird feeders have become increasingly popular with kids. It is not just fun to watch the birds but they can also learn about the different species at the same time. You don't need a lot of bird feeding building supplies to get started. Instead, you can use materials that are readily available at home. Here are some simple bird feeders for you and your kids to make:
Pine Cone Bird Feeder
One of the simplest feeders to make is the pine cone bird feeder.
All you need are: Pine cone, string, wild bird seed.
1. Tie the string tightly to the top of the pine cone.
2. Cover the cone with the type of bird feed you want to use. You can swathe peanut butter all over the pine cone and roll it around in bird seeds, or you smear suet onto the cone and leave it plain.
Hanging Bird Treats
Another easy way to involve your kids in bird feeding is to let them help you with these easy to make treats.
All you need are: Bagel or bread cubes, peanut butter, shortening or lard, bird seed, string
1. Mix the peanut butter with an equal amount of shortening.
2. Spread the mixture onto the bagel.
3. Tie the string around the bagel.
4. Hang it up outside, on a tree or wherever you please.
An alternative to this would be to make a long string of bread cubes and hang it up for birds to enjoy.
Donut Cereal Feeder
You can use donut shaped cereal to create this necklace type bird feeder.
Here is what you will need: Donut shaped cereal, string or yarn, pen or pencil
1. Tie one end of the yarn to the pencil.
2. String pieces of donut shaped cereal through the loose end of the yarn.
3. Undo the pencil, and tie the two ends of the yarn together.
4. Hang outside for the birds to enjoy.
Simple Ground Feeder
Some birds prefer to eat off or near the ground. This simple feeder can be made just for them!
Here's what you will need: Aluminum pie plate or tray, bird seeds
1. Clean your plate or tray.
2. Poke some small holes onto your plate for drainage. (The adults should do this step.)
3. Spread your bird seeds around the tray.
4. Place on or slightly above the ground.
Cookie Cutter Feeders
Another fun and easy way to get your kids involved in feeding the birds!
Here are the materials you will need: Bread slices (stale), cookie cutters, yarn
1. Cut the bread slices into different shapes using cookie cutters.
2. Make a small hole in the middle of the bread. You can use a straw for this.
3. Thread the yarn through the hole and tie.
4. Hang outside.
Bottle or Milk Carton Bird Feeders
A slightly complicated version, the use of bottles or milk cartons as bird feeders is a good way to get your kinds involved in recycling.
Here are the things you need: Milk carton or plastic bottle, string, scissors (adults should help their kids in handling scissors), bird seed
1. Clean your carton or bottle well. Allow to dry thoroughly.
2. Poke two holes through the top of your bottle or carton.
3. Thread a string through the holes and tie together. This will serve as the hanger for your feeder.
4. Cut out a window at the front area, leaving enough for a base to put your seeds in. Adults should help their children with this step.
5. Fill with bird seed and hang outside.
Another way to do this would be to use a dowel rod as a perch. To do this, you need to make a hole slightly below your "window" with a corresponding hole on the other side. Ease the dowel rod into the holes leaving a bit of rod space for birds to perch on.
Remember to talk to your kids and educate them on how to keep your back yard visitors safe. Most importantly, kids should enjoy these activities, both making the feeders with you and watching the birds eat from them.
Reprinted with permission.
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