Kid's Corner: Making Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Wintertime is one of the best times of the year to watch birds. With the leaves gone from deciduous trees and shrubs, birds are more easily spotted in the garden. So why not make something that not only attracts them but is good for birds. Pine Cone Bird feeders are easy (maybe even some of you made them when you were little) but they are also fun to make. You can place the feeders in highly visible locations so that you can get prime viewing of these amazing creatures.

Materials Needed:

• Pine Cone (collecting already fallen ones are best since they are already open.)

• Peanut Butter (yes peanut butter is actually healthy for birds. It is a high protein rich food that is a nutritious snack for birds)

• Bird Seed

• Bowl

• String

How to Make Pine Cone Bird Feeders:

1. Tie a string around the pine cone so that you will be able to hang your cone.

2. Test out hanging your pine cone. You may need to go back to step one until the pine cone hangs well.

3. Carefully slather pine cone with peanut butter.

4. Roll peanut butter slathered pine cones in a bowl of bird seed until the cone is covered in seeds.

5. Hang up your bird feeder (ideally a shady visible spot not accessible by squirrels.)

6. Watch & enjoy birds visiting your feeder.

Happy Birdwatching!