Can birds feel delight at the sight of a child proudly hanging up a new bird feeder they’ve made themselves? Maybe. Maybe not. But I feel attached to so many things in nature that I don’t apologize for thinking there’s at least a little rush of gratitude among our feathered neighbors when a new food source suddenly appears.
With a little bit of adult help, there are so many ways that even very young children can learn to attract and appreciate our backyard birds by setting out simple bird feeders they’ve made from scratch.
Let’s start with the basics
One of the easiest ways to bring in the birds is with simple “birdseed cookies” made with the seed of your choice mixed with unflavored gelatin. They’re easy to make for even the tiniest hands, and the birds love ’em!
Here’s a link to the CSU Extension’s birdseed cookie directions.
For winter feeding, “fat balls” are great!
While we as people (sometimes…) try to avoid too much fat in our diets, overwintering backyard birds need the right kind of fat to see them through freezing temperatures. That’s where “fat balls” come in.
Fat balls are truly energy bars for birds. They’re made with a combination of birdseed and a fatty binder like lard. When adults are sure that peanut allergies are not an issue, peanut butter can replace the lard. Solid shortenings like Crisco should be avoided. Leftover fat from any type of cooking is a big no-no!
One standard recipe for fat balls is roughly two parts fat and one part birdseed. Imagine the fun the kiddos can have squishing all of that together until it’s mixed!! Once the mixture is thoroughly blended, it can be firmly compressed into tight balls, as the name implies. The fat balls should be refrigerated for a few hours or overnight until they are firm.
It’s very important to give the birds a place to perch while they’re eating these treats! Unlike the gelatin-based cookies, standing directly on any type of fatty mixture can spread grease to their feet and wings which can permanently damage their feathers’ ability to keep them warm. By judging the size of the finished balls, you can use a pre-made suet feeder.
Tagawas carries different sizes and shapes of suet feeders, including round or square cages that accommodate ball-shaped treats. Bird-feeding experts recommend that fat balls be displayed in shady areas away from your regular feeders.
Some playful options
If you’d like to go more “homemade” than a purchased feeder, cut an orange in half, pull out the orange segments, and press the fat mixture into the empty peel. Insert some candy-apple-type skewers crosswise near the top of the peel, add colorful yarn or ribbon and refrigerate.
Cute! And nutritious for the birds and the kids who eat the orange!
Another possibility…
Have an empty mug around? And a stick? Check this out!
Safe perch… yummy food… easy to display. It’s a keeper!
And maybe the best idea of all…
If you’re into “quirky,” this upcycled kitchen tool may be perfect for your kids’ project!
I mean really, how fun is that?
However you choose to display your winter fat balls, bird-feeding experts recommend that you display them in a shady place away from your regular bird feeders. Once they’re empty, clean the feeders before using them again.
For something different, bring on the peanuts!
If and only if peanut allergies are not an issue, and with adult supervision, whole unsalted peanuts like the type Tagawa carries in bulk can be strung on sturdy wire and formed into all kinds of fun shapes.
Show the kids how to puncture the shell between the peanuts with a darning needle or crafting T-pin and run the wire through the hole to create a unique feeder. Bend the wire into your desired shape, attach some string or ribbon, and display! Then watch the beautiful jays and nuthatches flock to your yard for dinner!
Combining fun and education
Once these various feeders are in place, why not turn the project into several learning moments by helping the kids understand more about the birds they’re feeding.
How would they describe the birds’ colors, size, and song? They’re never too young to fall in love with the natural world that surrounds them!
Good luck!
