The winter months can be hard on everyone. Cooped up in the house with limited time outdoors, and running out of ideas for activities inside, cabin fever can set in!
But the harsh, winter conditions are hard on the birds too. The days are short, and many of the natural food supply that they need for energy is gone. Plants are dormant, many insects are dead, and snow may cover what’s left.
Winter is a great time to introduce your kids to winter bird feeding. But don’t think you have to stop there, bird feeding is a year round activity, and can become an activity the whole family can enjoy.
Activities include:
A good way to get started is to set up a bird feeding station where the bird’s activity can be viewed. Place it high enough off the ground, away from predators such as cats, and near a window where you can see all the antics that go on at the feeder.
Purchase a guide to bird identification, and a small pair of binoculars to allow a close up view of the birds for easy identification.
Make a visit to a local bird feeding store, or hardware store, and look at all the bird seed available for birds in your area.
In the spring, add birdhouses and a bird bath to your yard for spring bird watching activities.
Keep a journal of all the birds you see in your area.
Make a toilet paper roll bird feeder.
To make your feeder you will need:
Empty toilet paper rolls
Peanut butter
Seeds. (Buy a good quality seed that has few added fillers.)
String or wire to hang the feeder
Directions:
Cover the empty toilet paper roll with peanut butter.
Gather your supplies needed to make the feeder.
Roll the peanut butter covered tissue holder in the seeds.
Punch holes in the corners and thread twine or wire through the holes.
Hang in a tree, out of the reach of predators, but where you can see it.
Take a picture of your feeder, add to your journal, and sit back and wait for the birds.
Karen
