an activity for you and your little one that will have the birds aflutter

Watching birds flit about gathering food can be fascinating for children and adults a like. Spring is the perfect time to help birds out as they are nesting and foraging for food for their babies. By providing an easy source of food for the grown up birds, you are helping keep them healthy and giving them more time to feed their growing babies with grubs, caterpillars and other insects. Attracting wildlife to your garden will also create hours of entertainment, making the feeder, then spotting and watching the birds.

To make a bird feeder you will need:

pinecone

unsalted peanut butter - approx two large tablespoons
birdseed - approx one cup
string - the length depends on where you are going to hang your feeder
scissors - to cut string
a bowl for mixing

Pour the bird seed and peanut butter into your bowl and mix, use your hands to massage the mixture.

Smother the pinecone in the peanut butter bird seed mix.

Tie one end of the string to the pinecone.

Then venture outside and find a spot to hang your feeder. A tree near a kitchen window would be perfect so you can watch the birds feed. It may take a few days for the birds to trust this new food source, but once they do they will add colour and life to you garden.

Other good foods to add into the mix are:
suet
stale cornflakes or rice bubbles
raisin or sultanas
breadcrumbs (not mouldy)

Here are a few foods to avoid:
avocado
salt
kiwifruit
honey (use malt instead)
anything mouldy or rancid

have fun and enjoy x