Winter is the perfect time to show a little love to the birds visiting your backyard. It’s also a season filled with opportunities to quietly observe and learn more about the feathered inhabitants of Colorado. You can attract birds to your natural spaces by making these cute and creative bird feeder crafts with kids of all ages.
February brings a special chance for kids to become citizen scientists while watching the winged inhabitants of the skies. During the Great Backyard Bird Count, February 12-15, 2021, count the birds in your family’s favorite outdoor spaces, then share your findings to assist scientists in gaining a better understanding of the global bird population. Tools and apps on the event website help families identify species, track findings, and share photos and experiences with other bird watchers around the world.
Simple Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Our Colorado backyard is filled with towering pine trees, which means it’s also usually filled with pine cones. Just one is all it takes to create a simple bird feeder. This project is easy for little hands, and short enough to hold the attention of a toddler or preschooler. You will need a pine cone, string or twine, peanut butter, and bird seed. (Here’s some advice on which feed to use to attract different birds)
Start by pouring some of the bird seed onto a cookie sheet or cake pan and set aside. Next, tie a loop of string or twine around the top of the pine cone. Now the messy fun begins. Use a spatula to smear peanut butter on the pine cone; be sure to push some into the crevices between the scales. Then, roll the peanut butter covered pine cone in the bird seed, pushing seeds on to coat. Hang the pine cone from a branch and find a quiet place to watch for bird visitors.
DIY Colorblock Bird Feeders
Recycle tennis ball tubes to make these bright feeding spots. Courtesy of Handmade Charlotte.
Birdseed Ornaments
Make cute, and bird-safe, ornaments in your favorite shapes. Courtesy of Fireflies + Mudpies.
Recycled Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
Craft a two-story perch for visiting birds to rest (and snack) on. Courtesy of Mommy’s Bundle.
Bird Seed Monogram
Customize your bird feeder with your family’s or child’s initial. Courtesy of Country Chic Cottage.
Orange Cup Bird Feeder
Add a pop of fresh, natural color to your feeding spot. Courtesy of Kids Chaos.
3 Places To Learn More About Colorado Birds
- Denver Audubon hosts classes, events, and school programs
- Colorado County Birding a project of the Colorado Field Ornithologists shares a list of great bird-watching sites by county.
- Bird Conservancy of the Rockies holds events and birding tours, and teaches all ages about bird conservancy, including 7 Simple Ways To Help Birds.
