Attract Birds With This Easy DIY Pinecone Bird Feeder

Calling all bird lovers and DIY enthusiasts! Get ready to create the coolest bird feeders ever using ordinary pinecones. This step-by-step guide will show you how to turn these natural wonders into feathered feasts that will transform your backyard into a fluttering paradise. Let’s dive right in and make some bird-feeding magic happen!

Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard

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Want to turn your backyard into a birdwatcher’s paradise? It’s easier than you think! Let’s make a DIY pinecone bird feeder that’s not only simple but also super effective at attracting our feathered friends.

Gathering Your Supplies:

This project uses stuff you probably already have around the house. But if not, a quick trip to the store and you’ll be all set!

  • Pinecones: The bigger and more open the scales, the better. Take a nature walk and see what you can find in your local park or nearby woods.
  • String or Twine: Jute or hemp string are great eco-friendly options, but any sturdy string or twine will do.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy works best, and double-check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol (it can be harmful to birds). If you’d rather, sunflower seed butter or suet are good alternatives.
  • Birdseed: You can’t go wrong with a good quality birdseed mix! Local bird experts at pet stores can help you pick the perfect blend for the birds in your area.

Assembling Your Bird Feeder:

  1. Prep those Pinecones: Give your pinecones a quick clean if they’re extra dirty, and make sure they’re totally dry. Want to go the extra mile? Pop them in the oven at 200°F for about an hour to bake out any hidden moisture and help open the scales for easier spreading.
  2. Make a Hanger: Cut a piece of string and tie it tightly around the top of the pinecone. Leave enough length at the end to form a loop for hanging it later.
  3. Slather on the Good Stuff: Grab a butter knife or spatula and spread a nice, thick layer of peanut butter all over those open pinecone scales. Don’t be shy – the birds will thank you!
  4. Roll it in Birdseed: Pour your birdseed onto a plate or into a bowl and roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone around until it’s completely coated in delicious seeds.
  5. Chill Out (Optional): If you’re feeling extra patient, stick your masterpiece in the fridge for a few minutes to let the peanut butter firm up. This helps keep everything from making a sticky mess when you hang it outside.

Creative Bird Feeding:

  • Seed Variety is the Spice of Life! Mix and match different types of birdseed to attract specific feathered friends.
  • Go Natural: Dried fruit, berries, or even mealworms make tasty and nutritious additions to your bird feeder.
  • Suet Power: For a super energy-boosting treat, fill your pinecone with a mixture of suet and birdseed.

The Perks of Pinecone Bird Feeders:

  • Connect with Nature: Watching birds flit around your feeder is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Be Kind to Our Planet: Pinecone bird feeders are a natural and eco-friendly way to feed the birds.
  • Learning is Fun: This is an awesome activity for kids and families to learn about birds and their environment.
  • Help Out Your Local Feathered Friends: By providing food and water, you can help support local bird populations, especially during the colder months when natural food sources are harder to find.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Key Points of Making a Pinecone Bird Feeder:

  • Materials: Pinecones, string for hanging, peanut butter (or alternatives), birdseed
  • Instructions:
    • Clean and dry pinecones.
    • Tie string around the top of the pinecone for hanging.
    • Spread peanut butter or an alternative on the open scales of the pinecone.
    • Roll the coated pinecone in birdseed.
    • Optional: Chill the bird feeder to firm up the coating.
  • Variations:
    • Mix different birdseed types to attract specific birds.
    • Add natural treats like fruit, berries, or mealworms.
    • Use suet for an energy-boosting treat.
  • Benefits:
    • Connect with nature by observing birds.
    • Eco-friendly and biodegradable.
    • Educational activity for kids.
    • Supports local bird populations by providing food and water.

Are Pine Cone Bird Feeders Good for Birds?

So, we’ve talked about how charming and simple pine cone bird feeders can be. But let’s dig deeper – are they genuinely beneficial for our feathered friends?

Pine cone bird feeders can be a wonderful addition to your backyard, offering both benefits for birds and enjoyment for you. However, it’s important to be mindful of the type of food you use, where you place the feeder, and to remember that they should be a supplement to other food sources for a well-rounded bird buffet!

Benefits:

  • Enrichment: Pine cone feeders offer birds a natural way to forage, which keeps them active and engaged.
  • Accessibility: They are accessible to a wide variety of birds.
  • Simple to Make: This easy DIY project is fun for people of all ages.

Things to Consider:

  • Nutritional Value: While pine cones filled with goodies are a treat, they shouldn’t be the only food source. Birds need a balanced diet. Make sure to offer a variety of bird feeders with seeds, suet, and fresh water.
  • Safe Ingredients: Always opt for natural peanut butter without any added sugar or salt. These additives can be harmful to birds.
  • Placement: Hang your feeders high enough to deter predators like cats and in a spot that minimizes the risk of window collisions. You want your feeders to be a safe haven, not a hazard.

Crafting Your Peanut-Free Bird Feeder:

So, you’ve already heard about the joys of attracting birds with a pine cone feeder, but maybe peanut butter isn’t your thing? No worries, there are plenty of other ways to whip up a tasty treat for our feathered friends. This is all about finding alternatives that work just as well, if not better!

Choosing the Right Ingredients:

  • Suet: Suet is a great option because it provides birds with a lot of energy, especially during the colder months.
  • Crisco: You can use Crisco as a substitute for suet. Just make sure to choose the plain kind without any added flavors or dyes.
  • Sunflower Seed Butter: This is a great option for birds that might have allergies to peanuts.

Important Things to Remember:

  • Just like with any bird feeder, make sure you hang it somewhere safe and easy for the birds to reach.
  • Keep your feeders clean! Wash them regularly with soapy water and make sure they are completely dry before refilling. This helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

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