Day 9 of 12 — Bird Feeders

The month of January has begun, a month where the days are as long or as they are cold, sometimes colder.

Every one is in hibernation mode except those few brave birds who are out all winter long.  So why not make the winters a little bit easier for them by adding some bird feeders to your yard.

Below are three different types of bird feeders that can be made with recycled items found around the house.

Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeders

Materials: Bird Seed, Peanut Butter, Toilet Paper Rolls and String or Ribbon.

Directions: Spread Peanut butter all over the toilet paper roll, roll it in bird seed so the seed sticks all around it, tie the string through the toilet paper roll and hang onto the nearest bush or tree outside.

Upcycled Bird Houses

Materials: Bird Seed, Round Drink Powder container, paints, markers, String, Peanut Butter (optional)

Directions: Take the label off the drink powder container, decorate it with paints or markers. Cut the plastic lid into two parts, one 1/4 and 3/4 sizes. Poke a hole into the bottom end of the container, thread a string through this hole and out the top of bird house then tie together. Add a cup or so of bird seed into the container put on the 3/4 size plastic lid. Hang out in your yard. Alternatively you can also spread some peanut butter on the inside and stick the bird seed on that.

Bird Seed Ornaments

Materials:

• 2.5 cups Birdseed
• 2 Packages Unflavored Gelatin
• 2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
• 1 cup Water
• Cookie Cutters
• Drinking Straws
• String
• Parchment

Directions:

1. Add ½ cup cold water to a large bowl.
2. Pour the 2 packages of unflavored gelatin on top of the water.
3. Add ½ cup boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
4. Add the corn syrup and stir until combined.
5. Add the birdseed and mix well.
6. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the liquid firms up.
7. Set your cookie cutters onto a parchment lined tray and fill them with spoonfuls of the birdseed mixture. Press down the birdseed mixture firmly to fill in all the gaps. Fill the cookie cutters to the top.
8. Press the drinking straws into each of the shapes near the top, making a hole for the string to hang
9. Place the ornaments in the refrigerator until they are solid enough to take out of the cookie cutters.
10. Remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters. Thread a piece of string through the hole and tie the ends in a knot.
11. Hang the birdseed ornaments from tree branches or bushes.
12. Watch to see how many birds come by to enough your wonderful treat.

Happy Bird Watching.