If you've opted for a staycation this summer, you may have found yourself scrabbling around for a quality stay-at-home summer camp activity! Let's be honest, the summer months are long, and there's nothing worse than bored kids and frazzled parents. So, if you've found yourself drawing on your positive parenting reserves, help is at hand or rather beak!
Instead of researching tips for parents at their wit's end, why not try this simple DIY bird feeder project? It's fun, inspirational and educational, so back off boredom, uber parent at work!
This inexpensive project made with accessories you have around the home will provide some much-needed entertainment for your child and help your feathered friends by providing them with a source of nourishment and a safe haven in your garden.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to make an easy yet practical bird feeder with your child. So roll up your sleeves and grab some supplies; it's time to get busy!
Bird Feeder DIY Tips for Parents
Step 1: Gather Some Essential Supplies
What you need:
- A plastic water bottle or milk jug
- Scissors
- String or twine
- Wooden spoons or popsicle sticks
- Birdseed
Step 2: Prepare the Bottle or Jug
Next, you will need to prepare your bottle or jug. You'll want to ensure it's clean and dry before you begin. Then, take the scissors and cut two or more holes on the side of the bottle, about halfway up from the bottom. The size of these holes will depend on what birds you are hoping to attract. For example, larger birds like pigeons and doves will require bigger holes, while smaller birds like sparrows and finches will be happy with smaller ones.
Step 3: Add the Wooden Spoons or Popsicle Sticks
Now it's time to add some perches for the birds to sit on. Punch some small holes into the opposite sides of the milk jug and push the handles of your wooden spoons or popsicle sticks through them. The spoons should be inserted facing outwards from the bottle, with the bulge of the spoon acting as a perch for the birds to land on.
Step 4: Tie on the String or Twine
The final step is to tie on the string or twine. Cut a length of string or twine and tie it tightly around the neck of the bottle or jug. Ensure the string or twine is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the feeder and the birds and that it's long enough to hang from the branch of a tree or a hook in your garden.
Step 5: Fill the Feeder with Birdseed
The fun part! Finally, it's time to fill your feeder with birdseed. Pour the birdseed into the top of the bottle or jug, filling it to the top. You may want to place your bird feeder in an area where it's easy to refill, so you can enjoy watching your feathered friends come and go all year round.
Conclusion
Making a DIY bird feeder with your child is a great way to spend quality family time together, get outdoors, and learn about nature. With just a few household items and a smidge of creativity, you can build a practical and fun bird feeder that will attract birds of all shapes and sizes. Plus, you'll be helping to support local wildlife year-round. So why not give it a go? Get crafting, enjoy the process, and watch your feathered friends flock to your garden!
Photo by Skyler Ewing: Canva
