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Read More January 10, 2024 | Blain's Farm & FleetEasy DIY Pine Cone Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for an easy, fun, and rewarding project to bring wildlife into your yard, making a pine cone bird feeder is the perfect choice. Not only does it help birds find food (especially during the colder months), but it’s also an engaging craft for people of all ages. Follow this step-by-step guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet to create you feeder and start attracting birds to your yard.
What You’ll Need
To craft your pine cone bird feeder, you only need a few items. Here’s your checklist:
- Large pine cone (preferably open and clean)
- Peanut butter (smooth works best, and make sure it’s sugar-free)
- Bird seed mix (look for a mix specific to the types of birds you’d like to attract)
- String or twine
- Butter knife or craft stick
- Tray, paper plate, or old newspaper
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pine Cone
If your pine cone is from outside, make sure it’s clean and fully dry. Shake off any debris or dirt. If it’s a little sticky or closed up, place it in a warm area or oven on low heat for a few minutes to dry it out and expand the scales. Be sure to allow it to cool before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Attach the String
Cut a piece of twine or string about 12 inches long. Tie it securely around the top of the pinecone. You will use this to hang it in your yard later. Make sure the knot is tight enough to handle the weight of the feeder and possible tugging by birds.
Step 3: Spread the Peanut Butter
Using a butter knife or craft stick, spread a generous layer of peanut butter all over and between the scales of the pine cone. Try to coat it evenly, but don’t worry about perfection—birds won’t mind! The peanut butter acts as the “glue” that holds the bird seed in place.
Tip: Peanut butter works well because it’s easy to spread and loved by many birds. But for cold climates, suet might be a better option because it won’t freeze as easily.
Step 4: Roll in Bird Seed
Pour your bird seed mix onto a shallow dish or paper plate. Gently roll your peanut butter-covered pine cone in the seeds until it’s fully coated. Press lightly to ensure the seeds stick well.
For extra coverage, you can sprinkle seeds into the smaller crevices with your hands. Give the pine cone a gentle shake to remove any loose seeds.
Step 5: Hang Your Feeder and Enjoy!
Finally, find a good spot in your yard to hang your feeder. Ideal spots include tree branches, shepherd hooks, or near a window where you can enjoy birdwatching. Make sure it’s high enough to keep it out of reach from squirrels and other animals.
And there you have it—your pine cone bird feeder is ready to welcome its winged visitors!
Tips for Success
- Avoid Harmful Ingredients: Don’t use honey or sugary spreads. These can harm birds. Stick with natural peanut butter.
- Choose the Right Location: Birds prefer quiet, natural areas, so avoid busy spots in your yard. The feeder should be shaded and protected from direct sunlight to keep the peanut butter from melting.
- Use Appropriate Seed: Different birds prefer different seeds. For example, black oil sunflower seeds attract robins and cardinals, while finches love thistles. Using a mixed blend can bring a wide variety of species.
- Monitor the Feeder: Over time, the peanut butter and seed can spoil, especially in wet or extremely hot weather. Replace the feeder when it starts to look worn or moldy.
- Keep It Squirrel-Proof: If squirrels or other critters are common visitors, use deterrents like baffles to keep them from reaching the feeder.
Making a pinecone bird feeder is one of the easiest ways to invite the beauty of nature into your backyard. Your neighborhood birds will thank you, and you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing and entertaining reward. Happy birdwatching!
For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Wild Birds & Bird Watching articles.
