Posted on Tuesday, December 24, 2024

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Do you enjoy crafting and teaching kids about birding and the environment? If so, combine those passions by indulging in this easy wintertime project that encourages nature watching. Ahead of crafting, take advantage of learning the habits of birds in your area. Then, create and hang your own homemade pinecone bird feeders outdoors. These pinecone bird feeders offer a nutritious delight for birds. Not only will it attract them to your yard, but it lets you observe your feathered friends in action.

Attracting birds to your yard

A common outdoor treat for birds is a peanut butter/bird seed treat. However, not all peanut butter is good for birds. Always use organic unsalted peanut butter without added sugars or sweeteners. Avoid low-fat varieties and those with additives like xylitol which is toxic to some animals. Additionally, pinecone bird feeders should be made with natural, untreated pinecones collected from outdoors. Do not use treated or stained or glittery pinecones from the store as they are harmful to birds.

A word about hanging them

Hang these homemade bird treats in a safe, unobstructed, and visible location for bird watching. When watching birds from a distance, use of binoculars is encouraged.

Making this winter treat for birds

Gather the kids to make this winter treat for birds. Making a DIY homemade pinecone bird feeder is ideal for school-age children. It offers opportunities to expand one’s excitement for nature, to nurture God’s creatures, and to creatively craft. For additional tips on making pinecone treats for birds, visit One Little Project.

Craft supplies needed to make them:

Large pinecones, 10” strings or longer (one per pinecone), organic peanut butter (see note above), small bird seed, paper plates.

Directions in four easy steps:

1. Gather some large pinecones.
2. Wrap a 10” piece of string in a tight loop around the top of the pinecone. (This will be used to tie the pinecone to the tree.)
3. Over a paper plate, coat the outside of the pinecone with peanut butter then roll it in birdseed. (Tip: Small seeds stick best!)
4. Once coated with seeds, hang the feeder on a branch or pole for birds to enjoy.

Why bird watch?

Birding presents opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. It also promotes respect for nature, creates environmental awareness, and educates folks on animals and the earth.

An important mission

Feeding birds during wintertime offers our feathered friends reliable food resources when natural supplies run low. Not only are you helping birds survive harsh winter temperatures, but you can observe them up close and grow your connection to nature. Learn more: Interested in setting up a bird feeder in your yard? Click here.