Making Birdfeeders is a Great Children's Activity

These birdfeeders, made by recycling items such as egg cartons and soda bottles, are so simple, even children can participate in making them.

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Figure A

Make a simple birdfeeder out of an old egg carton (figure A). Cut off the lid and discard or save for another project. Fill the individual egg holders with birdseed or cereal. Make a small hole in all four corners of the egg carton and tie a piece of string through each hole. Gather the four strings together and knot. Use this to hang the feeder outdoors.

Figure B

To make a birdfeeder out of an empty milk carton, drill four holes near the bottom of the carton. Insert two dowels, threading each one through two of the holes, on opposite sides of the carton (figure B). Next, cut four triangles in all four corners of the carton about an inch above the dowels. Fill the carton with seeds.

Figure C

Make a birdfeeder out of a two-liter soda bottle (figure C). Remove any stickers on the bottle, then wash and dry it completely. Drill two small holes in the bottom of the bottle and thread a piece of wire through them. Twist the two ends of the wire together to hang it. Insert dowels near the bottom of the birdfeeder, and cut an opening for the birds.

Place all-purpose birdseed in a plastic zipper bag, spread some shortening or lard on a stale bagel and place inside the zipper bag. Shake until the bagel is well coated. Hang with the bagel from a tree with a piece of string. These make great treats for winter birds.

This cardboard tube birdfeeder is a great one to make with the children. Thread a long piece of yarn through the cardboard tube. Lay the tube on a piece of wax paper and spread honey all over the cardboard tube. Sprinkle birdseed on the wax paper and roll the tube in the birdseed until it is well coated. Tie the yarn and hang the birdfeeder.

String donut-shaped cereal on a long piece of yarn. Tie the two ends of the yarn together and hang.

Press cookie cutters into pieces of stale bread. Hang the bread shapes from string.