Are your kids getting “tweeted” out by technology? It’s time to bring them back to nature and unleash their creativity with a fun DIY project – making Homemade Bird Feeders!
As a parent of two curious and technology-driven kids, I’ve often found myself searching for ways to reconnect them with the natural world.
That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of making homemade bird feeders. Not only did it provide a great bonding experience, but it also sparked their interest in birds and nurtured their sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Directions For Homemade Bird Feeder
Today, your kids will learn how to create their very own bird feeder using common household items. Not only will it keep your little ones engaged and entertained, but it will also attract beautiful, feathered friends to your backyard.
With just a few simple materials and a love for our feathered friends, you’ll have a wonderful homemade bird feeder in no time. So, gather your supplies and let’s get started on this exciting outdoor adventure!
What You Will Need
- Clean, empty 2 liter soda bottle
- Sharp scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision is recommended)
- Wooden dowel or popsicle stick
- String or twine
- Birdseed
- Optional: Paint, markers, or other decorations to personalize your bird feeder
- Adult supervision is highly recommended for this activity.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before we begin, let’s set up our work area. Find a clean, flat surface outdoors where you can comfortably work with minimal mess. It’s a good idea to lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to catch any spills or scraps. This will make cleaning up easier once we’re done. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and ask an adult for help if needed.
Step 2: Clean And Dry The Soda Bottle
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your 2L soda bottle. Rinse out any remaining soda or residue and let it dry completely. This step is important to ensure that the bird feeder is safe and will not contain any harmful substances. Once the bottle is clean and dry, it’s ready for its transformation into a bird-friendly habitat!
Step 3: Cut Holes For The Birds
With adult supervision, use sharp scissors or a craft knife to carefully cut two openings in the soda bottle. The holes should be big enough for birds to access the birdseed but not too large that the seed will spill out easily. Cut the first hole near the bottom of the bottle, about 2-3 inches above its base. Make a second hole directly opposite the first hole, at the same height. These holes will allow the birds to reach the birdseed from multiple angles.
Step 4: Insert The Wooden Dowel Or Popsicle Stick
Now it’s time to create perches for our bird friends. Take the wooden dowel or popsicle stick and push it through the bottle just below the first hole. This will create a comfortable landing spot for the birds to rest and eat. Make sure the dowel is long enough to provide sufficient space for the birds to perch.
Step 5: Attach A String Or Twine For Hanging
To hang your bird feeder, create a loop by tying a string or twine around the neck of the soda bottle. Make sure the string is securely fastened so that the bird feeder can be safely suspended from a tree branch, hook, or pole. The loop should be long enough to allow the bird feeder to hang at a convenient height.
Step 6: Fill The Bird Feeder With Birdseed
Now comes the exciting part – filling your bird feeder with delicious birdseed! Unscrew the cap of the soda bottle and carefully pour birdseed into the top opening. Hold the bottle upright to allow the seed to fill the bottom section. Fill it to a level just below the cut holes, ensuring that there is enough birdseed for the birds to enjoy. Be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent spillage.
Step 7: Optional: Decorate Your Homemade Bird Feeder
If you want to get creative, you can decorate your bird feeder to make it even more visually appealing. Use paint, markers, or other craft supplies to add colors, patterns, or pictures that you think birds would love. You can also choose to leave your bird feeder unpainted for a more natural look. Remember that simplicity is key when decorating, as we want to focus on attracting our feathered friends with the birdseed.
Step 8: Hang Your Bird Feeder And Observe
Now that your homemade bird feeder is complete, it’s time to find the perfect spot to hang it. Choose a location in your backyard where you can easily see it and where birds feel safe and comfortable. Hang it from a sturdy branch or use a hook or pole designed for bird feeders. Make sure the feeder is at a height that’s convenient for you to refill and clean.
Tips For Making A Home Bird Feeder
Once your bird feeder is up and hanging, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Grab some binoculars and a bird identification book, if available, to help you identify the different bird species that visit your feeder. Keep an eye on the birdseed levels and refill as needed to ensure a steady supply for our feathered friends. Remember to regularly clean your bird feeder to prevent mold or contamination from leftover seeds.
Creating a homemade bird feeder from a plastic 2L soda bottle is not only a fun and creative activity but also a way to connect with nature.
