Hunting for pine cones to feed the birds
Here’s a sneak preview of my next webisode -Let’s Go Outside.
Watching and listening to birds is fascinating for children at any age and you don’t have to go far. Encourage birds to visit your own backyard with this simple natural bird feeder.
We’re going on a Pine Cone Hunt!
We want to make a BIRD FEEDER.
Jasmine and Sam are delighted with their pine cone collection.
Time to head back up to the house to make the bird feeder.
Guess who we spotted looking for cones too?
Chloe shares her cones with Flint the Dragonfly Boy.
How to make your natural bird feeder:
You will need a pine cone, some twine or string, peanut butter and bird seed (Sam added some of his own harvested Sunflower seeds to the mix).
1. Tie the twine around the pine cone.
2. Spread the peanut butter all over the cone, covering it completely.
3. Roll the cone in the bird seed.
4. Hang your cone on a branch where you will be able to view the birds.
5. Wait patiently for the birds to arrive and feast on your cone.
This is a great outdoor activity for all ages and the rewards are awesome.
Watching the birds arrive at your feeder is Magical. Borrow a bird book from the library to identify which birds you have visiting your feeder.
Lucy the Bird Keeper’s Tip:
Lucy’s Tip : If you can’t find any pine cones where you live, you can collect some small sticks. Tie them up in a bundle using some twin then spread peanut butter all over the sticks. Then roll the sticks in the seed mix-hey presto- your very own bird feeder!
HAPPY BIRD WATCHING!
January 29th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I love this idea! I’m going to do this with my nephews. Thanks!
January 30th, 2010 at 8:26 am
[...] to get your kids interested in nature and birds in your garden? Marghanita Hughes has a wonderful activity for kids to make natural bird feeders. Plus, her Little Humbugs are just too adorable! Follow [...]
January 30th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
This is one of my favorite activities. When I used to run nature programs for kids we did this all the time, but I haven’t done it with my own kids. I think I’ll have to change that! My only issue will be to get them to share the peanut butter with the birds!
January 30th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
You made me laugh, the birds are lucky here, our kids aren’t big peanut butter fans. My eldest is the only one in the house that eats it. I’m sure your boys will love sharing the peanut butter once they see the birds visiting their feeder! I’d love to hear more about the nature programs you used to run for kids, drop me an email.
Happy Bird Watching!
January 30th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Hi Stevie, you must take some photos of your nephews bird feeders and I’ll post them up on the Little Humbugs Art Gallery. Happy Bird Watching!
January 30th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Thanks for the tip about tying sticks together if you can’t find pine cones. Can’t wait to hang a new feeder & see who comes to visit!
January 31st, 2010 at 3:25 pm
This is a great idea! Thanks for the photos and for sharing!
February 1st, 2010 at 2:20 am
HI Deb, you’ll have to send over some photos of your feeder and your new visitors to the Little Humbugs Art Gallery. Dragonfly Boy would be thrilled!
February 4th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Oh what a simply gorgeous post! Am subscribing right away and look forward to more of your thoughts and images. Thank you
February 5th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Hi Cath, thanks for stopping by, I love your blog too. Just finished admiring your daughters delightful painting of you and your husband.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
[...] the Highland Cow shares some outdoor activities that lots of kids will love! Also from Marghanita beautiful pictures to inspire trekking into the woods to hunt [...]
February 19th, 2010 at 4:36 am
[...] Collect pine cones and make a bird feeder. Let the Little Humbugs show you how! [...]