In the mornings while eating breakfast or in the cool of a summer evening on the front porch the kids enjoy watching the birds feast. They also like to identify and record them in their natural journals. Their was a time when we we even participated in the Backyard Bird Count for Cornell. The elements and animals have destroyed many a store-bought bird feeder. We all decided to try making our own bird feeders. We made our old tried-n-true stand-by pinecone feeders and two new to us feeders.
Pine Cone Feeders
The kids went walking on an area trail in search of pine cones. If you don't have pine cones in your area you can use cardboard cut-outs in any shape you choose. We had been told once that peanut butter was unsafe for birds. We did a google search and found at the BirdWatchersDigest site that this is a common myth and there is no scientific evidence one way or the other. We'll leave that at "It's a personal decision", then. The peanut butter can be substituted in the case of an individuals allergies as well. Our soy nut butter pine cone was equally enjoyed by the birds. Twist some string, ribbon or we used jewelry making wire around the pine cone. Spread with the peanut butter. Roll in bird seed.
Fruit Basket Feeders
Slice in half an orange, grapefruit, lime or lemon. Scoop out the fruit, eat or put in fridge. Now you are left with the rind. It looks like an empty bowl. With a tooth-pick make a hole on each side near the top. Send a string, ribbon or wire through the hole to form a handle. Fill the basket with bird seed.
Cookie Cutter Feeders
The number of feeders made in this recipe just depends on the size of cookie cutter used. We followed the recipe at FamilyFun
· 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin
· 2 cups bird seed
To make a batch, bring 6 tablespoons of water to a boil. Empty one 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin (we used Knox brand) into 2 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl. Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute, then add the boiling water and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
Next, stir 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly. Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times, if necessary, allowing the seed to absorb the liquid.
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Place the cookie cutter shapes you'd like to use on the paper. Spoon the seed mixture into the cookie cutters. With a straw punch out a hole for stringing through ribbon, string or wire later.
Place the pan in the refrigerator or a cool room and let them set for at least 3 hours. Gently tap the cut-out shape free from the cookie cutter. Allow to air-dry overnight.
Finally send colorful ribbon, string or some wire through the hole.
We found that larger and deeper cookie cutters work best. They also melt fairly quickly in the rain. Hanging from an eave or porch they may last longer.
We had a lot of fun making the feeders. The cookie cutter feeders would make great gifts.
Pine Cone Feeders
The kids went walking on an area trail in search of pine cones. If you don't have pine cones in your area you can use cardboard cut-outs in any shape you choose. We had been told once that peanut butter was unsafe for birds. We did a google search and found at the BirdWatchersDigest site that this is a common myth and there is no scientific evidence one way or the other. We'll leave that at "It's a personal decision", then. The peanut butter can be substituted in the case of an individuals allergies as well. Our soy nut butter pine cone was equally enjoyed by the birds. Twist some string, ribbon or we used jewelry making wire around the pine cone. Spread with the peanut butter. Roll in bird seed.
Fruit Basket Feeders
Slice in half an orange, grapefruit, lime or lemon. Scoop out the fruit, eat or put in fridge. Now you are left with the rind. It looks like an empty bowl. With a tooth-pick make a hole on each side near the top. Send a string, ribbon or wire through the hole to form a handle. Fill the basket with bird seed.
Cookie Cutter Feeders
The number of feeders made in this recipe just depends on the size of cookie cutter used. We followed the recipe at FamilyFun
· 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin
· 2 cups bird seed
To make a batch, bring 6 tablespoons of water to a boil. Empty one 1/4-ounce package of unflavored gelatin (we used Knox brand) into 2 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl. Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute, then add the boiling water and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.
Next, stir 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly. Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times, if necessary, allowing the seed to absorb the liquid.
Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Place the cookie cutter shapes you'd like to use on the paper. Spoon the seed mixture into the cookie cutters. With a straw punch out a hole for stringing through ribbon, string or wire later.
Place the pan in the refrigerator or a cool room and let them set for at least 3 hours. Gently tap the cut-out shape free from the cookie cutter. Allow to air-dry overnight.
Finally send colorful ribbon, string or some wire through the hole.
We found that larger and deeper cookie cutters work best. They also melt fairly quickly in the rain. Hanging from an eave or porch they may last longer.
We had a lot of fun making the feeders. The cookie cutter feeders would make great gifts.
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