Happy Feathered Friends

Julie Henrichs, Dakota County Master Gardener Intern

Is it important for us to take care of our feathered friends when the weather turns cold and the snow begins to fly? Yes it is, because birds play an important role in the ecosystem of our garden from weed and pest control to pollination and fertilization, plus birds are fun for all ages to watch. Now it’s time to help the birds stay strong and healthy throughout the Winter with only a few simple supplies needed.

Supplies Needed:

Pinecones (find pinecones in nature)

Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Sun Butter

Bird Seed (smaller seeds are best)

String, Twine, Yarn

Popsicle Stick/Hands/Butter Knife (dependent on age of participants)

Plate/Tray/Large Piece of Thicker Paper

Making the Bird Feeder:

Place the birdseed on a plate, tray or large sheet of thicker paper and set aside. Choose a pinecone from the ones collected. Carefully take a 1-2 foot piece of string, twine or yarn and begin wrapping it around the pinecone leaving an end that can be used to hang the pine cone from a tree or post. Next, take a popsicle stick, butter knife or your hands and spread peanut butter, almond butter or sun butter onto the pinecone. Spread enough “butter” onto the pinecone so there are lots of spots for the birdseed to stick. Now it is time to get messy! Take the pinecone and roll it in the birdseed making sure to coat as much of the pine cone as possible. Once you have completed coating the pinecone in birdseed the next step is to hang it outside.

Remember to place the Pinecone Bird feeder in a spot where the birds feel protected from predators. Once you have found the right spot, sit back and enjoy the birds.

Photo Credits: www.flickr.com (1,2), www.Pexels.com (3,4)