Winter is a wonderful time to introduce your children to the wonders of nature right in your backyard. Creating bird feeders is a fun and educational activity that not only allows kids to unleash their creativity but also fosters a love for wildlife. With a few simple materials and a pinch of imagination, you can easily craft delightful winter bird feeders with your children. Let’s dive into 6 DIY winter bird feeder ideas that will surely inspire your little ones.
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1. Pine Cone Bird Feeder:
The classic DIY bird feeder and for good reason.
Materials:
- Pine cones
- Peanut butter or suet
- Birdseed
- String or ribbon
Steps:
- Tie a string or ribbon around the pine cone for hanging.
- Spread peanut butter or suet on the pine cone.
- Roll the pine cone in birdseed, making sure it sticks to the peanut butter.
- Hang the pine cone feeder on a tree branch.
Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.
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2. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder:
Materials:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Peanut butter or suet
- Birdseed
- String or ribbon
Steps:
- Spread peanut butter or suet all over the toilet paper roll.
- Roll the peanut butter-coated roll in birdseed until fully covered.
- Thread a string through the hole in the roll and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.
Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.
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3. Orange Cup Bird Feeder:
Materials:
- Halved oranges
- Birdseed
- String or twine
Steps:
- Hollow out the halved orange, leaving the peel intact.
- Fill the hollowed-out orange with birdseed.
- Thread a string through the orange and tie a knot for hanging.
Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.
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4. Milk Carton Bird Feeder:
Materials:
- Empty, clean milk carton (Preferably a half gallon size)
- Paints and brushes
- Birdseed
- String or wire
Steps:
- Cut a large opening on one side of the milk carton.
- Paint and decorate the carton as desired.
- Fill the carton with birdseed through the opening.
- Attach a string or wire to the top for hanging.
Resources: Check out this tutorial here from Crayola’s C.I.Y. (Create It Yourself) for more details and ideas on this craft (and many other fun crafts).
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5. Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder:
Materials:
- Birdseed
- Gelatin
- Cookie cutters
- Drinking straws
- Ribbon or string
Steps:
- Mix birdseed with gelatin according to package instructions.
- Place cookie cutters on a tray and fill them with the birdseed mixture.
- Press the mixture down firmly using the back of a spoon.
- Insert a drinking straw at the top to create a hole for hanging.
- Let it dry, then remove the cookie cutters and thread a ribbon or string through the hole.
Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.
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6. Bagel Bird Feeder:
Encourage your kids to observe and identify the feathered visitors that come to enjoy the feeders. Not only will these DIY bird feeders attract a variety of birds to your backyard, but they’ll also teach your children about the importance of caring for wildlife and the environment. Happy crafting and birdwatching!