Bird watching is a fantastic way to connect kids with nature, and what better way to attract birds than by making homemade bird feeders? Crafting bird feeders not only fosters creativity and responsibility but also teaches children about different bird species and their feeding habits. At The Kids Point, we believe in blending fun with learning, and these easy bird feeder crafts are perfect for engaging kids while helping our feathered friends. Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or a local park nearby, these DIY bird feeders will make birdwatching a delightful experience for children of all ages.
Pinecone Bird Feeder
One of the simplest and most effective bird feeders is the classic pinecone feeder. This craft is perfect for young children and requires minimal supplies.
Materials Needed:
- A large, dry pinecone
- Peanut butter (or sunflower butter for nut-free options)
- Birdseed mix
- String or twine
- Butter knife or popsicle stick
Instructions:
- Tie a piece of string around the top of the pinecone, leaving enough length to hang it from a tree branch.
- Use a butter knife or popsicle stick to spread peanut butter all over the pinecone.
- Roll the pinecone in birdseed until it is fully covered.
- Hang the feeder outside in a tree or on a hook and watch the birds enjoy!
Orange Peel Bird Feeder
This eco-friendly bird feeder uses an orange peel as a natural container for seeds, making it completely biodegradable.
Materials Needed:
- An orange
- A knife (for adult use)
- Twine or string
- Birdseed mix
- A spoon
Instructions:
- Cut the orange in half and scoop out the fruit, leaving an empty peel.
- Poke three or four holes around the rim of the peel and tie pieces of string through them.
- Fill the hollowed-out orange with birdseed.
- Hang it on a tree branch or hook and wait for birds to arrive.
Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Recycling toilet paper rolls into bird feeders is a great way to teach kids about sustainability.
Materials Needed:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Peanut butter or honey
- Birdseed
- String (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter or honey over the entire outside of the toilet paper roll.
- Roll the coated tube in birdseed until fully covered.
- Slide the roll onto a tree branch or thread a string through it to hang.
Milk Carton Bird Feeder
This creative bird feeder upcycles an empty milk carton into a functional bird feeder.
Materials Needed:
- An empty milk carton
- Scissors or a craft knife (for adult use)
- Paints and brushes (optional)
- String or twine
- Birdseed
Instructions:
- Cut out two windows on opposite sides of the milk carton, ensuring the bottom remains intact.
- Paint and decorate the carton as desired.
- Poke two holes at the top and thread a string through to create a hanger.
- Fill the bottom with birdseed and hang it in a tree.
Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder
This fun craft allows kids to mold birdseed into shapes using cookie cutters.
Materials Needed:
- 2 cups birdseed
- ½ cup water
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- Cookie cutters
- Straws
- Twine
Instructions:
- Dissolve gelatin in warm water and mix in birdseed.
- Spread the mixture into cookie cutters placed on a parchment-lined tray.
- Insert a straw near the top of each shape to create a hole for hanging.
- Let the feeders dry overnight before threading twine through the holes and hanging them outside.
Muffin Tin Bird Feeder
Using a muffin tin, kids can create individual feeders to place in different spots.
Materials Needed:
- A muffin tin
- Birdseed
- Peanut butter or suet
- String (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix peanut butter or suet with birdseed.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin and press it down firmly.
- If hanging, insert a piece of string before refrigerating.
- Once set, pop the feeders out and place them outside.
Egg Carton Bird Feeder
This feeder is easy to make and can hold multiple servings of birdseed.
Materials Needed:
- An empty egg carton
- String
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut off the lid of the egg carton and punch holes in the corners for hanging.
- Fill each egg cup with birdseed.
- Thread the string through the holes and hang the feeder in a tree.
Bamboo Stick Bird Feeder
Using bamboo sticks, kids can create a natural feeder that blends well with the environment.
Materials Needed:
- Bamboo sticks or popsicle sticks
- String or wire
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
Instructions:
- Cut bamboo sticks to equal lengths and tie them together in a grid pattern.
- Spread peanut butter over the sticks and sprinkle with birdseed.
- Hang the feeder from a tree branch or fence post.
Cereal Garland Feeder
A simple and fun craft for toddlers, this feeder doubles as a festive decoration.
Materials Needed:
- Cheerios or other ring-shaped cereal
- String or pipe cleaners
Instructions:
- Thread the cereal onto a string or pipe cleaner.
- Tie the ends together to form a loop.
- Hang on tree branches or bushes for birds to enjoy.
Hanging Fruit Bird Feeder
Fresh fruit provides birds with a natural and healthy food source.
Materials Needed:
- Apples, oranges, or pears
- String or skewers
- Birdseed (optional)
Instructions:
- Slice fruit into halves or rings.
- Thread string through the fruit or push a skewer through to hang it.
- Hang the fruit from tree branches.
Creating bird feeders is a fantastic way to engage kids in outdoor activities while teaching them about wildlife conservation. These easy and fun crafts not only help birds but also provide endless joy for children as they watch their handmade feeders attract various bird species. At The Kids Point, we encourage families to explore nature together, and these DIY bird feeder crafts are a wonderful way to start. So gather some supplies, get creative, and enjoy the beauty of birdwatching with your little ones!