An inventive and inexpensive way to attract birds to your lawn and feed them in the process is to make a birdseed pine cone. This little activity is quick, easy, and loads of fun for kids.
Note: those with peanut allegeries will want to find a sticky alternative or avoid this one all together!
Here is what you need:
- A couple big pine cones from your yard or local park (simply run to the first pine tree you see and look down – you are bound to find some nice plump ones)
- Peanut Butter (buy some of the generic inexpensive kind if you do not usually stock PB in the cupboard)
- A small bag of basic bird seed (can be purchased from Target or a local pet store)
- A couple spoons.
- A flat tray/container.
- String/Yarn.
- A tree/pole.
And here is what to do:
- Scout your location – find a nice tree branch, hammock pole, or lamppost to hang your creation. Make sure to place it in a visible spot so your kids can enjoy their handy-work.
- Tie the string/yarn to the pine cone. Make sure you have enough slack left to tie it to the tree brach/post.
- Lather up the pine cones with peanut butter. Use your spoons or hands. Don’t be shy or skimpy!
- Pour the birdseed into a flat tray or container.
- Roll the peanut butter covered cones around in the seed.
- Hang up your new bird feeder!
- Sit back and watch who comes for a snack!
Earlier this Summer, OWTK purchased a formal Feed Birder. You can read about it here and here. Before that purchase we made several birdseed pine cones and they were always a big hit with the local birds – and our daughter. As we will see, making them is often more fun then watching the birds dine.
Have Fun!
Jeff
Out With The Kids