Get creative & help feed the birds!

How to make a bird feeder

When it’s cold outside birds need lots of food. So why not make a bird feeder to help keep our feathered friends warm? Bird feeders are fun to make, and if you hang them in clear view you can watch robins, blackbirds and all sorts of other birds come and feed.

You will need:

• Half a teacup of lard
• A teacup of bird seed
• 1 large pinecone 
• String
• A pair of scissors (have a parent/carer on hand when using scissors)
• A mixing bowl

Bird feeder instructions: 

1. Cut a piece of string, about 40cm in length, and tie it around the bottom of your pinecone (the pointy bit).

2. Put the lard and seeds into the mixing bowl and mix together using your fingers. You’ll find the lard is stiff at first, but after you’ve squished and squidged it about it will become soft and the seeds will begin sticking to it. Mix until all the seeds are stuck into the lard.

3. Take pinches of your lard mixture and stick it all over your pinecone.

4. Put the pinecone on a plate in the fridge and leave for an hour.

5. When it’s set, hang your bird feeder right outside the window or on a tree – really, anywhere you can see it.

Get Creative and Win!

You don’t have to use a pinecone to make your bird feeder. You can spread your bird feeding mixture on anything, from an empty tinfoil pie case to a reusable plastic cup.

Can you think of a clever way to make a bird feeder?

We have a prize on offer for the most creative and fun bird feeder.

If you’ve got a brilliant bird feeder idea, make sure you take a photo or draw a picture as soon as it’s been made, then send the photograph/drawing to us by using our super cool wizard up-loader– you could win a fabulous prize! 

Closing date: April 30th 2010