DIY Bird Feeder
Preschoolers will be chirping with excitement as they make a DIY bird feeder for their backyard birds. Their feathered friends will thank you.
The Benefits of Birdwatching with Preschoolers
Birdwatching has many benefits for kids. It’s a simple (and free) activity that many overlook when thinking of things to do with their little ones.
Connecting to Nature
The most apparent benefit of birding (bird watching) is getting kids out in or observing nature. They can see firsthand the beauty of our world, and preschoolers can also see how their lives are connected to nature.
Hone in Observation Skills
Bird watching isn’t something that little ones can do quickly. They have to patiently wait (another skill they will work on) for the birds to come. While doing so, they must look carefully to see tiny hummingbirds or a bluejay in a tree.
Promotes Stress Relief and Relaxation
Being in nature has a significant effect on many children. Birdwatching gives little ones a goal to (hopefully) keep them occupied for a more extended period so they can relax.
Encourages Conservation Awareness
By making their own bird feeders and watching birds, preschoolers are learning that animals out there need our help. If you are fortunate enough to see a less common bird, this may give your little ones more reason to find ways to help.
Recycled DIY Bird Feeders
The great thing about this activity is that it uses up recyclables. There are many different ways to make DIY bird feeders. Below are just a few to get your little ones thinking of what they can use to make their own bird feeders.
Milk Jug DIY Bird Feeder
Using a clean and dry milk jug, find where the handle is. On the opposite side of the handle, cut out a window where the birds can go in to get their food. Place duct tape around the edges of the window part to prevent the birds from getting cut on the rough edges.
Under the window, make a small horizontal slit and slide in a craft stick. Add some hot glue to help secure the stick in place.
Let your preschooler decorate the DIY bird feeder with washi tape, stickers, or paint.
Fill with bird seed and hang the feeder on a tree with the jug handle.
Tin Can DIY Bird Feeder
** The edges of the can may be sharp, so please be careful**
Paint, wrap paper around, or add felt to the outside of the tin can to decorate it.
Use felt or foam to glue around the open lip so it is no longer sharp to the touch.
We cut the felt to look like a flower.
Glue on a piece of yarn so the DIY bird feeder can be hung up.
Toilet Paper Roll DIY Bird Feeder
An old classic recycled bird feeder trick!
Grab a toilet paper roll and coat the outside in peanut butter. Roll the roll in birdseed.
Thread a piece of string through the tube and tie a knot using the two ends of the string. This will create a way to hang the DIY bird feeder.
Recycled Material Bird Feeder
Making a DIY bird feeder is a great project for little learners. They use their hands to make something and can see the positive impact they are making on their local ecosystem. Plus, it uses up recyclables that would otherwise be thrown out.
