Welcoming vibrant birds into your backyard garden can be an absolute delight for the whole family. Not only is it a relaxing and entertaining spectator activity, but crafting DIY bird feeders also fosters creativity, appreciation of nature, and an enriching learning experience for children.
Why Birdwatching Appeals to Kids
Spotting those splashy cardinals or cheerful chickadees that make repeat visits offers an unmatched sense of wonder and excitement for budding young bird lovers. Watching these fascinating winged creatures with binoculars as they flutter about gives kids a memorable opportunity to study nature up close.
Documenting bird sightings through drawings, photos, or record sheets also helps children hone their observation skills and flex their creative muscles. Plus, attracting diverse avian species to your own custom-made sanctuary promotes stewardship and concern for nature conservation.
Key Materials and Tips for Successful Bird Feeding
Luring feathery guests to your DIY habitat involves following several fundamental pointers:
- Birdseed Selection – Cater to various species by providing assorted foods like sunflower seeds, millet, nut meats, or dried fruits and berries. Consider specific blends suitable for your region. Adding fresh nectar appeals to hummingbirds and orioles.
- Project Tools – Useful items include recyclable containers, peanut butter, strings, sticks, and glue. Craft knives may assist adults with cutting tasks. Paint, markers, and natural elements like pinecones also boost creativity.
- Bird Feeder Position – Mount feeders near trees or bushes for access but away from lurking cats. Ensure they’re easily reachable for cleaning and refilling too.
- Water Source – A birdbath or shallow bowl offers necessary water for bathing and hydration to further entice birds.
- Safety Precautions – Supervise children during construction. Account for choking hazards with small pieces and sharp implements needing adult handling.
- Routine Care – Check feeders often as birds empty them quickly. Frequently wash containers to limit disease transmission.
- Bird Identification – Have kids observe the markings, sizes, songs, and behaviors of visiting birds. Guide them in recording sightings and researching details on each unique species spotted.
12 Kid-Friendly Bird Feeder Projects
Crafting inventive feeders using household materials makes for an engaging hands-on project. Below are a dozen nature-inspired ideas to ignite your child’s creativity:
Simple Hanging Feeders
- Toilet Paper Roll – Coat an empty roll with peanut butter then roll in birdseed. Add string for hanging.
- Milk Carton – Cut a seed slot in a carton then attach a wooden perch stick. Hang with twine once decorated.
Fruity Lures
- Fruit Kabobs – Alternate fruit chunks like apples, oranges, and grapes onto sticks for a natural feast.
- Orange Cups – Scoop orange halves and fill them with nutritious birdseed. Add drainage holes and hang.
Seed Cakes and Suet
- Pinecones – Spread peanut butter or suet on large pinecones then coat with seed mix. Hang with string once dry.
- Bagel Halves – Smear bagel halves with creamy peanut butter or suet then roll in birdseed. Thread with hanging string.
- Cookie Cutter Cakes – Pack seed dough into shaped cutters. Allow hardened cakes to dry before mounting.
Clever Containers
- Cereal Box – Cut one side as the opening then add a wooden perch dowel. Decorate box before filling it with seeds.
- Mason Jar Lid – Invert the lid and attach a central perch stick with seed sprinkled around it. Screw on jar below.
- Plastic Bottle – Clean the bottle thoroughly. Add small drainage holes then fill with seed before resealing the cap and hanging.
Handcrafted Holders
- Popsicle Sticks – Arrange sticks into a framed enclosure then pack with peanut butter birdseed mix. Allow to set before hanging outside.
- Egg Cartons – Poke drainage holes in egg cups then spoon birdseed into each compartment. Hang lids once dry.
- Plastic Lids – Hot glue a popsicle stick upright in the center of large lids. Border it with seed before attaching it underneath a plastic container.
Devising inventive feeders provides children with the supreme opportunity to gain up close exposure to incredible, colorful birds right in their own backyards. Equipped with these 12 inspirational models, kickstart your kid’s Nature Explorer merit badge by crafting clever bird buffets to welcome delightful avian visitors all year round!