Here’s another bird feeder that can use items you already have around the house. It is easy too, so kids can help or make it by themselves!

Empty egg carton

Yarn or string – 2 pieces 6” long; 1 piece 12”-15” long

Here is a feeder that uses something that you would otherwise just throw away – an empty paper towel roll or toilet paper roll! This is an easy activity that kids can help out with.

Empty cardboard roll

Honey

If you have a birdfeeder up, you may have noticed some unwanted visitors. While larger birds are not as attractive as the songbirds you are trying to attract, they will eat what they can find where they can find it. It would be impossible to completley rid yourself of the birds you don't like, but there are some things you can do to help discourage them.

As stated above, birds will eat what they can find. Birds need something high in fat and protein in order to give them the energy they need. You can offer the big birds an alternative to bird seed such as dog food. This provides the nutrition that they need, but at lower cost to you. Place the dog food in a shallow dish and place it near the other feeders. This way they will notice it. Whenever you fill it up, move it a step or two away from the other feeders. As time goes on, the unwanted guests will soon be away from your main viewing area of the birds you want around.

Pretty soon here in the Midwest, birds will be making their way back up here from their winter hiatus. During this time, they will need to start to make their nests to welcome their young. It is fun for children to help them out. There are many things that you can offer for nesting materials. Below are several that are favorites.

Next time you or your child go in for a hair cut, bring a baggie and ask the cutter if you can keep the cut locks. This only works if it is an inch or more that is going to be cut. Once home, go outside and sprinkle the hair around the yard or park. Children will love to dance around while spreading the hair around.

If you want to target specific birds with your feeders, you need to make sure you are giving them the foods that they like.  By paying attention to what bird foods you put into your feeder, you can attract your favorite birds and (hopefully) keep away those you don’t like as well.  So what kinds of seed are there and what birds like them?

Striped Sunflower

This is a hard-shelled sunflower seed that is black with white stripes.  It’s a little harder to open, so most birds won’t be as attracted to it as other seeds. 

A great way to reuse a 2 liter plastic bottle is to convert it into a birdfeeder. This does require the use of a drill; if you are unfamiliar with using a drill, either get help from someone who does, or do not do this project.

1 2 liter bottle

Wire or twine