By Caroline Gravino of Salsa Pie Productions
Kids can craft a handmade bird feeder by recycling a milk carton and using a few other household supplies. Hang your feeder then wait and watch to see if you spot any birds. This activity is a great way to encourage bird watching plus a summer boredom buster rolled into one! What kind of birds will feed from the bird feeder?
Materials:
- empty milk carton
- paint and paint brushes
- permanent marker
- sharpened pencil
- small twig
- birdseed
- yarn or string
Instructions
1. Paint an empty milk carton a solid color and allow it to dry.
2. Once dry, cut a rectangular opening in the top portion of the carton.
3. Decorate the milk carton with a permanent marker. Add details like windows and a scalloped roof if you wish.
4. Fill the carton up to the opening with birdseed.
5. Have an adult poke a sharpened pencil into the carton just under the opening. Remove the pencil.
6. Insert a twig into the hole you poked with the pencil. Make sure the twig is thick enough that you have to kind of force it through so it will stay-put.
7. Poke holes in the top sides of the carton and insert a string. Tie the string at the top to form a hanger.
You are all set! Hang your handmade bird feeder outside and watch and wait as the birds enjoy some birdseed!
Caroline Gravino is a PBS Parents resident crafter and has more creative project ideas on her website, Salsa Pie Productions. She also shares videos on the PBS Parents YouTube channel.
