Bird watching is a wonderful outdoor activity that can engage children with nature, and one of the best ways to bring birds into your yard is by creating bird feeders. Crafting your own bird feeders not only provides food for local wildlife but also offers a great opportunity for kids to learn about the environment, animals, and how they can contribute to their well-being. Whether you’re using simple materials like toilet paper rolls or more intricate designs involving pine cones and wooden spoons, these bird feeder craft projects are a fun way to bring joy to both children and birds.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 different bird feeder craft projects that you can easily make with your kids. From simple peanut butter feeders to more intricate birdhouses, these projects will provide hours of fun and learning, all while attracting beautiful birds to your garden.
1. Peanut Butter and Bird Seed Feeder
This classic bird feeder is perfect for young kids because it’s quick and easy to make. By simply spreading peanut butter on a toilet paper roll and rolling it in bird seed, you create a simple yet effective feeder that birds love.
What You’ll Need:
- Toilet paper roll
- Peanut butter (ensure it’s safe for birds – no sugar or additives)
- Bird seed
- String (optional for hanging)
How to Do It:
- Take a toilet paper roll and spread peanut butter generously all over it.
- Roll the peanut butter-covered roll in bird seed, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Tie a string through the hole in the center of the roll and hang it on a tree branch.
Why it Works: The peanut butter provides a high-energy treat for birds, and the seeds are a favorite food for various species. It’s also a great way to recycle toilet paper rolls!
2. Pine Cone Bird Feeder
This simple project brings nature into the crafting process by using pine cones as the base for your bird feeder. It’s easy to make and allows kids to explore natural materials.
What You’ll Need:
- Pine cone
- Peanut butter or lard
- Bird seed
- String (optional for hanging)
How to Do It:
- Find a pine cone (or buy one from a craft store).
- Spread peanut butter or lard all over the pine cone, filling in all the cracks.
- Roll the pine cone in bird seed, pressing down to ensure the seeds stick.
- Attach a string to the top and hang it from a tree.
Why it Works: Pine cones have a natural shape that works well for birdseed to stick. Plus, they’re already an organic part of nature, making this craft a great way to connect with the outdoors.
3. DIY Wooden Spoon Bird Feeder
For a more unique take on a bird feeder, try using a wooden spoon as the base. This craft gives kids the opportunity to get creative with the shape and size of the feeder.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden spoon
- Peanut butter
- Bird seed
- String
How to Do It:
- Spread peanut butter all over the bowl of a wooden spoon.
- Roll the spoon in birdseed, ensuring the seeds cover the peanut butter.
- Attach a string to the handle of the spoon and hang it from a tree branch.
Why it Works: The handle of the spoon makes it easy to hang, and the birdseed sticks to the peanut butter. It’s a fun twist on a traditional feeder and great for kids who enjoy something a bit different.
4. Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
Recycling is a great way to make bird feeders, and an old plastic bottle is the perfect candidate. This project is a bit more involved but offers a great way to introduce kids to recycling and repurposing materials.
What You’ll Need:
- Empty plastic bottle (such as a soda or water bottle)
- Scissors
- Bird seed
- String
How to Do It:
- Take a plastic bottle and use scissors to cut two small holes near the center of the bottle.
- Insert wooden spoons or small dowels through the holes, creating a perch for the birds.
- Cut two more holes near the top for the string to go through.
- Fill the bottle with bird seed, making sure the seeds don’t spill out.
- Tie the string through the holes at the top and hang the bottle from a tree.
Why it Works: The bottle is transparent, which allows birds to see the food and easily access it. Plus, it can hold a large quantity of seeds, attracting more birds.
5. Citrus Fruit Bird Feeder
This colorful and fragrant bird feeder idea uses citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons. The bright colors not only attract birds but also add a natural aroma to your garden.
What You’ll Need:
- Citrus fruits (like oranges or grapefruits)
- Bird seed
- String
- Scissors
How to Do It:
- Cut a citrus fruit in half and scoop out the insides.
- Fill the hollowed-out fruit with bird seed.
- Tie a string through the top and hang it from a tree.
Why it Works: The citrus fruit is appealing to birds and offers a fresh, organic alternative to other bird feed options. Plus, the fruit’s natural scent may help attract a wider variety of birds.
6. Egg Carton Bird Feeder
Recycling egg cartons is a simple way to create bird feeders, and this project is great for kids because they can make multiple feeders at once.
What You’ll Need:
- Empty egg carton
- Peanut butter
- Bird seed
- String
How to Do It:
- Cut the egg carton into individual cups.
- Spread peanut butter in each cup of the egg carton.
- Roll the peanut butter-covered cups in bird seed.
- Attach a string to the top of the carton and hang it on a tree.
Why it Works: Egg cartons are lightweight and can be easily hung up in trees. The small cups work perfectly for holding birdseed and are a great way to reuse materials.
7. Wooden Bird Feeder with Sticks
If you have access to small twigs or sticks, this craft provides an excellent opportunity for your child to practice their crafting skills while creating a functional bird feeder.
What You’ll Need:
- Small twigs or sticks
- A wooden base (such as a small board or popsicle sticks)
- String
- Glue
- Bird seed
How to Do It:
- Glue the twigs to the wooden base in a criss-cross pattern, creating a little “wall” for the bird feeder.
- Fill the gaps with birdseed, securing it in place.
- Tie a string to the top for hanging.
Why it Works: The natural materials provide an attractive and safe place for birds to eat, and it offers a hands-on craft experience for kids.
8. Bird Seed and Gelatin Feeder
A bird feeder made from bird seed and gelatin is a more solid, lasting option. This craft works well for colder months when you want a feeder that will last longer.
What You’ll Need:
- Unflavored gelatin
- Bird seed
- Water
- Cookie cutters
How to Do It:
- Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet to prepare the gelatin mixture.
- Mix the bird seed into the gelatin, stirring until it’s well combined.
- Press the mixture into cookie cutters to form shapes like hearts or stars.
- Let the mixture harden and attach a string for hanging.
Why it Works: The gelatin holds the seeds together, making it last longer outdoors, even in wet weather. It also provides a fun way for kids to shape their own bird feeders.
9. Hanging Log Feeder
For a more rustic craft, a log bird feeder provides a natural and sturdy option that works great for large backyard birds like woodpeckers and chickadees.
What You’ll Need:
- A small log or thick branch
- Drill
- Bird seed
- String
How to Do It:
- Drill holes into the log, large enough to hold bird seed.
- Fill the holes with bird seed and hang the log from a sturdy tree branch using string.
Why it Works: The log offers a durable feeder that blends in beautifully with the outdoors. It’s perfect for attracting birds that prefer a more natural setting.
10. Milk Carton Bird Feeder
A milk carton bird feeder is an easy-to-make project using a recycled carton. This craft is great for beginners and can be customized with paint or decorations.
What You’ll Need:
- An empty milk carton
- Scissors
- Bird seed
- String or twine
How to Do It:
- Cut holes in the sides of the milk carton to allow birds to reach the seed.
- Fill the carton with birdseed.
- Attach string to the top and hang it on a tree.
Why it Works: Milk cartons are sturdy and provide ample space for seeds, making them a reliable and accessible option for creating a bird feeder.
Conclusion
Creating homemade bird feeders is a fun and educational craft that children of all ages can enjoy. Not only do these projects help kids develop their fine motor skills, but they also teach them about the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation. Whether you’re using natural materials like pine cones or recycled items such as milk cartons, these bird feeder craft ideas will help bring nature closer to home and provide food for birds throughout the seasons.
These simple yet effective bird feeder crafts are perfect for family fun, school projects, or simply enjoying time outdoors. So gather your materials, get creative, and watch as your bird feeders bring delightful visitors to your yard!