Valentine's Day Birdseed Treat

Craft a special valentine for your backyard birds.
Learn how to make a tasty treat to spoil your winter visitors.

Valentines for the Birds

A black-capped chickadee takes a peek at this tasty seed-covered pinecone heart.

A black-capped chickadee takes a peek at this tasty seed-covered pinecone heart.


During snowy Northeast winters, we spend hours peering outside the kitchen window at our bird feeders. We have learned a great deal about the local birds that stay through the winter and we have really come to enjoy backyard birding as a family. Outside the window, we have created a little sanctuary that attracts a number of different bird species. Each year, around this time, we like to treat the birds to something special. Last year, we created a suet wreath with the woodpeckers in mind. This year, we thought we could make a valentine just for the birds.

Some of our most frequent feathered visitors at our feeders include black-capped chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, assorted wrens, nuthatches, goldfinches, woodpeckers, sparrows and robins. This year's treat is packed with protein from both the peanut butter and the sunflower seeds.The raisins add a touch of sweetness and provide carbohydrates. For those of you with peanut allergies, feel free to substitute sunflower butter in its place.

Immediately after we hung the seed-covered treat outside, the birds quickly discovered it! The gratification was instant. I have a feeling that we will be "refilling" this pine cone heart a few more times before winter is over. I think it's safe to say they loved their heart-filled valentine.

Supply List:

  • Pinecones
  • Floral wire
  • Wire cutters/scissors
  • Protected surface
  • Bird seed & raisins
  • Peanut Butter
  • Spoon
  • Plates
  • Ribbon

Now take a peek at the gallery below for all of the step by step directions:

Heart-Shaped Birdseed Treat How-To

See All Photos

Shop This Look

Next Up

Simple Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

This easy and inexpensive hummingbird food recipe will have these beloved pollinators making return visits to your garden for your DIY hummingbird nectar.

35 Best Bird Feeders and Accessories for Your Yard

Want to attract songbirds to your yard and garden? Check out our recommendations for the best bird feeders, including window feeders, stylish handmade feeders, squirrel-deterring feeders and more.

Make a Splash: 15 Beautiful Birdbaths for Every Style

Feathered friends will flock to these eye-catching birdbath designs.

Hummingbird 101

Entice these enchanting birds to make a stop in your garden.

How to Turn a Canvas Tote Into a Pretty Planter

Canvas totes are not only handy for weekend trips and shopping outings; when monogrammed, they also make sweet gifts and even a perfectly personalized planter for your front porch.

Create a Mother's Day Tea Garden

Put a twist on tea in the garden by planting up vintage teacups.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.