February is National Feed the Birds Month, which can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Feeding the birds can be a relatively cheap thing to do as well, so it is a great way to have some fun with your family without breaking your budget. However, if you go to purchase bird feeders then you might find yourself spending even more money than you want to. These ten ideas will allow you to get creative throughout the month as you make a wide variety of bird feeders. This will not only help you have some fun and feed the birds, but it will also help you to make your garden look amazing without spending a fortune.
1. Teacup Feeder
Teacup feeders can be one of the best ways to reuse items you no longer want. If you have a chipped teacup or saucer, or your child has outgrown their tea set, then you already have the perfect option for your feeder. If you don’t have supplies for the feeder then you can easily find some great options at a thrift store. Once you have the teacup and saucer, all you need to do is glue the cup to the saucer. You can do this in many ways too. For instance, you can glue it onto the saucer to create the appearance of a classic cup. You can also tilt the cup and glue it as if it is pouring into the saucer. Once dry, all you need to do is add a string and some birdseed and you’re ready for it to be used. You can also string teacups together for a multi-tier feeder that can hold many birds at once. This type of feeder is perfect for the garden, especially if you love the tea party vibe or you’re a fan of Alice in Wonderland.
2. Coated Bagel
If you ever find yourself with old bagels, or you have toddlers hoping to make their own bird feeder, then this is a great option for you. The task is not only simple but will only take a few minutes so wandering minds won’t grow bored of the task. All you need to begin the task is some string and a bagel. Tie the string onto the bagel so you will be able to hang it up later on. You can even use strings that are safe for birds to nest with, which will make your feeder even more valuable. Once the bagel is ready to be hung up, you dip the bagel in a layer of peanut butter. Of course, you can also spread it on if you’re trying to avoid messes. Then, dip the wet peanut butter onto a plate of birdseed. From there, you’re ready to hang up your masterpiece outside. Since there is no extra covering on this bird feeder, you might choose places that aren’t entirely open to the skies to prevent predators from attacking your birds.
3. Popsicle sticks
When it comes to craft time, popsicle sticks are a great way to have some fun with kids of all ages. These sticks are also a great resource when you’re making a birdfeeder. All you really need for the craft is some string, glue, and popsicles. However, you can easily have kids paint and decorate their creations. Older kids will probably have fun creating their own little masterpieces, so you probably won’t have to help much there. Younger kids, on the other hand, might need your guidance as you help them build a foundation and glue all of their pieces securely together. Once everyone’s’ projects are dried, then add a string, place some birdseed in them and hang them up.
4. Recyclable Feeder
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to make some bird feeders, then look no further than your recycling bin. One of the most common items to use for your birdfeeder is old water or soda bottle. For this feeder, you can also use plastic spoons that you might have leftover from fast food trips. Simply cut holes where the spoons will fit in, then glue them in. From there, cut holes at a distance from the spoons so the birds can rest on the spoons and eat. If you’re using a larger container, like a gallon milk jug, then you might consider using old wooden spoons for the design. If you are putting the bird feeder in a dry area, then you can easily use an oatmeal container with ease. You can also keep things simple by cleaning out an old tin can. Then, give it a little life with a new paint job. You can paint it to appear like a house or keep it simple with a few colors. Once the can is dry, add a string to the top and birdseed to the interior. Then, you can hang it up and watch the birds enjoy it. Another fun thing to do, especially for the little ones, is to add birdseed to an old egg carton. It won’t last long, but the kids will love watching the birds eat.
5. Molded Bird Feeder
If you have cute cookie cutters, then making a molded bird feeder is going to be a great option for you. All you need for the task is some birdseed, gelatin, string, and cookie cutters. First, you mix up your gelatin and then add some birdseed inside of the cookie cutter. Then, make a loop with your string and place it in the birdseed. From there, fill up the rest of the cookie-cutter with seed and add the gelatin. After that, let the gelatin set. This will create a fun shape that can be hung from just about any tree, window, and so on.
6. Window Feeder
When it comes to admiring birds, a window feeder is one of the most efficient ways to do so. That is why building a feeder specifically for your window can be very rewarding. You can actually go about this project in many different ways. One of the easiest things to do is glue some scrap wood together. You don’t have to make the design 3D as you will be placing it against a window. You can make the bird feeder into many different designs too. For instance, you might consider a classic home or a spaceship. Once you have your design up and working then use more wood to create a small trough. When you have added the trough to the structure, allow it to dry for a few hours. During this time, you can attach a suction cup so you can place it on the window. When it’s ready to go, suction it to the window and add your birdseed.
7. Natural Options
If you want to make more out of National Feed the Birds Month, then you can take your birdfeeder search to nature. Try to organize a nature walk so you can collect items to make the bird feeders out of. You can even do a little bird watching, too. Some of the best items to use are old logs, pinecones, and even small branches. If you’re working with wood, then consider hollowing it out slightly so you can add birdseed inside. Simply string it up from there or just place it outside and the birds can enjoy it. Apart from that, a pinecone can easily be dipped in peanut butter so you can add bird seeds to the nooks and crannies.
8. Blocks
Another fun way to bring the kids into the birdfeeder process is to use some old blocks. If your kids have any that they’re willing to spare then you won’t have to spend a lot of money on this stage. If not, then you should have plenty of luck finding some blocks at thrift stores or yard sales. Once you have a good number of blocks to work with, simply build a structure that will hold bird food. You can really get creative with this too, which will help you enjoy the process. When you’re finished, hang up the masterpiece and fill it with food. This adds a cute look to the home too, which will definitely make you enjoy the bird feeder all the more.
9. Food Feeders
Another eco-friendly option is to make bird feeders out of food. For instance, you can hang up orange peels that are mostly intact and fill them with birdseed. The feeder will naturally break down and the birds will be drawn to the smell of the food. You can also dry out the apple in the oven or a dehumidifier and then string them up. Birds will eat the apples and use the string for their nests. You can also string up other foods like cranberries, grapes, raisins, and other natural options. However, be careful what you feed the birds as leftovers, breads, and chocolate can harm them.
10. Go Classic
Without a doubt, you can always go the classic route when it comes to making a bird feeder. You might start by collecting scrap wood to start the project off. Once you have everything you need, make a layout to follow, so you won’t find yourself just winging it. From there, you can measure out what you need and cut it. Then, glue or nail the wood together and paint it however you choose. Finally, you can hang the design up or add it to a post before adding the birdseed. This is a project designed for older children or adults, so have some fun with it.
National Bird Feeding Month can be a great time for hobbyists or anyone looking for a cheap and fun project. These ten ideas will certainly bring the birds to your yard, which will bring you even more joy as you watch them enjoy the fruits of your labor.
