Feed the Birds

The birds are back! We are big bird watchers at my house and have several different bird feeders that help attract them to our yard. We also plant particular flowers that the birds like, too. Start watching the birds and teaching your children their names. Look for nests being built in trees and feathers that may be on the ground. And, make a bird feeder.

PINECONE BIRD FEEDER
All you need is a pinecone(or toilet paper roll if you don't have a pinecone, peanut or nut butter, birdseed and a ribbon or string and your child can do almost every step of this. First, take a ribbon or string and put it around the pinecone toward the top and wiggle it inside as much as possible. Next, spread the peanut butter on the pinecone with a plastic spoon or knife. Then roll the pinecone in birdseed, coating completely. Hang it outside by the ribbon and watch for birds!

CHEERIO BIRD FEEDER
This feeder is really simple and a fantastic activity for improving fine motor skills. Get a pipe cleaner and have your child string cheerios on it, leaving about 1 inch at each end. To make it easier, you can tape around the bottom end so cheerios don't fall off. When little fingers have completely filled the pipe cleaner, bring the ends up into a circle and twist the ends together. Find a branch to hang it on!