It's cold outside, and our feathered friends need our help to make it through the winter months. Here is a simple activity that will get your kids outside exploring nature and helping native birds.
- Go on a scavenger hunt and pick up fallen pinecones (or any kind of seedpod) in the yard or the local park.
- Tie a string tightly to the top of the pinecone or seedpod.
- Using a spoon, spread peanut butter over the surface.
- Roll the pinecones and seedpods in birdseed. Keep in mind, certain birds will be attracted to certain types of seeds. According to the All About Birds Cornell Lab of Ornithology site, the seed that attracts the widest variety of birds is the sunflower. Read here to learn more about which kind of feed is best for your local birds, including native sparrows. You can buy birdseed at pet stores, farm supply companies, landscaping nurseries, or here online.
- Hang the feeders on a tree near a window for prime bird watching. Or recycle a real-cut Christmas tree by propping it up outside and have your children "decorate" for the second time with your homemade bird feeders. Take care positioning it: Bird feeders should be placed out of the wind, where small birds can see them, and out of the reach of predators (such as cats).
- Now sit back, get your binoculars ready, open up a birding book, and get ready for feeding time. Have your kids help identify who comes for a visit. (Click here for some basic bird facts.)
If you don’t want to use pinecones, you can use stale bagels instead and follow the same directions. Or you can make bird feeder bowls out of empty orange or grapefruit halves -- poke holes in the sides of the bowls, tie strings through them for hanging, and fill them with peanut butter and birdseed.
Remember, it's not just the bird feeder that will help support native birds. Landscaping with native plants and following these ten steps to protect migrating birds can help provide a safer environment for avians.
Once you have your feeder in place, take a moment to photograph the birds in your backyard for the We Love Birds photo contest. Happy birding!
Image: Toffuti Break
