Bird Feeder Activity--by Katherine McPherson

It can be relaxing and enjoyable to observe nature. Bird watching is an activity that almost anyone can do. The following is a simple, affordable and effective way you and your loved one can make a bird feeder. Young family members would also enjoy doing this and learn about nature by doing so.

Materials for this project include:

• A large open pine cone
• Peanut butter
• String
• Birdseed
• Resealable plastic bag

To make the bird feeder:

• Spread peanut butter all over the pine cone.
• Put the bird seed in a resealable plastic bag and put the peanut butter-covered pine cone in the bag. Shake to cover with seed.
• Put the pine cone in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to firm-up the peanut butter and make the next step more manageable.
• Tie a string around any part of the cone (I use the mid section) and secure the other end of the string to a tree branch, hook or other object in view.

Watch as birds find your feeder and enjoy the meal you left them. Identify what species of birds you have attracted and see if you seem to have any "regular visitors". Cornell has put together a great resource to identify common feeder birds. You can access their website by clicking here.

Hopefully today's post may help create moments of joy by spending time together and creating something that will inspire fun and conversation.