A Simple Burlap Birdfeeder

Sammy, Madeline and I made birdfeeders last spring.  Super simple – cutting a hole in a plastic container and painting.  We did it as a fun activity – but, as luck would have it, the birds loved our birdfeeders!  If you are wondering how to make a birdfeeder and fear it needs to be complex, keep reading!  These birdfeeders we recently made for our winter birds are just as simple (and look very nice too!)

As I wondered how to make a birdfeeder for winter birds I decided winter birds would likely prefer a more rustic, snuggly birdfeeder – yes?  And spying the unused burlap roll (intended for the now snow covered Japanese maple in the front yard), I decided this was just the addition our winter birdfeeders would require.

How to make a Birdfeeder (for rustic – style loving birds)

First, we laid out the project and materials: 2 litre bottles, squares of burlap, white glue, paint brush, paper plate, string, birdseed, and two sticks). Sammy and Madeline then explored the items to figure out how they might use them to make a birdhouse. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take Madeline long to develop a plan, but Sammy required a bit more guidance and the answering of about 50 ‘why’ questions ranging from “why do birds eat seed?” to “why do they need to stand on a stick?”. The last question being, “why do birds like burlap?”

Eventually, we got to work. Madeline’s initial design plan only had one flaw: she tied her string to the ends of the perch. To her surprise, this made the birdhouse turn upside down when suspended from the string. She hadn’t realized that tying the string to her perch, approximately 1/3 of the way down the bottle, would cause the bottle to hang upside down. A quick re-tie and she was ready to hang her birdfeeder

Sammy required a bit more help with this project – but not with the gluing – that boy can glue!  Daddy cut two holes for the stick to slide through and one bigger hole for the door.  Sammy poured white glue onto a paper plate, and used a paintbrush to cover the bottle. He then carefully placed squares of burlap onto the bottle as a cover. Once completed, we made a funnel out of a twisted piece of paper and he helped pour in the seed.

 The kids have taken a big interest in watching our birdfeeders very closely – waiting and hoping a bird discovers it soon!  We have a few books out from the library to help us determine bird breeds … just as soon as we see a bird!

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