Crafting Pinecone Bird Feeders: Bringing Nature to Your Backyard
Creating bird feeders in the fall in Saskatchewan is especially important as it coincides with the migratory season for many bird species. These homemade feeders provide essential nourishment for birds on their long journeys south, contributing to their survival and helping to sustain the local bird population.
What do you do:
- Gather your materials: Collect all the materials you need, including pine cones, peanut butter, birdseed, string or twine, and a spatula or butter knife. You can use fresh or dry pine cones, but dry ones are easier to work with.
- Tie a String: a piece of string or twine, and tie a knot at one end. This will be used to hang your pine cone bird feeder.
- Spread Peanut Butter: a spatula or a butter knife to spread a generous amount of peanut butter (or alternative) all over the pine cone. Make sure to get it into the crevices between the scales.
- Roll in Birdseed: Place a plate or tray under the pine cone to catch any excess birdseed. Roll the peanut butter-coated pine cone in birdseed until it's well-covered. Press the birdseed gently onto the peanut butter to ensure it sticks.
- Hand the Feeder: Tie the string or twine to the top of the pine cone, creating a loop for hanging. Make sure it's secure.
- Enjoy Bird Watching: Find a suitable spot in your garden or outdoor area to hang the pine cone bird feeder. Choose a location where you can easily observe the birds that come to visit. Now, all that's left to do is wait and watch as the birds come to enjoy their tasty treat. You can refill the feeder as needed to keep attracting feathered friends to your space.
What do you need:
- Pine cone(s)
- Peanut butter (or an alternative like vegetable shortening)
- Birdseed
- String or twine
- Spatula or butter knife
- Plate or tray (optional)
Safety Considerations:
When making a pine cone bird feeder, be mindful of potential allergies to peanut butter or birdseed ingredients and provide supervision for children to ensure safe handling. Additionally, securely tie the string or twine used for hanging to prevent accidents and choose a safe location to hang the feeder to avoid hazards for people and pets.
Benefits:
Physical: Building and maintaining a bird feeder can involve physical activities such as cutting, assembling, and hanging, providing light exercise and outdoor exposure.
Emotional: Bird watching can be a soothing and emotionally rewarding activity, reducing stress and fostering a sense of connection to nature.
Spiritual: Observing birds in your garden or outdoor space can create a spiritual connection with the natural world, promoting mindfulness and a sense of wonder.
Intellectual: Constructing a bird feeder requires problem-solving and creative thinking. Learning about local bird species and their habits enhances your knowledge of the ecosystem.