Birds gotta eat
The birds, they are hungry. I am starting to think they are ALWAYS hungry, even if they’ve been nibbling all morning. We’re testing that theory in the backyard with these make-it-yourself-from-what-you’ve-got feeders!
We just pulled used condiment jars (think capers, tapenade, salsa) out of the recycling bin, filled them with goodies, and hung them up in the backyard.
How to have happy birds
To make a feeder, wrap wire around a jar and twist a loop on either side.
Tie a length of yarn through the loops.
Hang the jar by the yarn.
(Put food in there at some point, or else you’ll have confused backyard birdies.)
Food for flies. Butterflies.
We decided to make one for birds and one for butterflies.
For the birds, we made a mix of sunflower seeds (the clear favorite), pumpkin seeds (ignored — I think the seeds were too big for the birds), and millet (they ate it).
The butterflies got a sugar syrup instead: 1 part sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. Cut a sponge to fit in the jar, and pour the syrup over it.
We wanted the sponge to be about level with the top of the jar, so we put a flat rock under it to boost it up. Then we put half a clementine on top, hoping the bright color and added sweetness would help to attract the butterflies.
We’re still waiting for them to discover that one.
More cool DIY bird feeders
– Make a bird feeder out of popsicle sticks
– Use an orange peel to hold birdseed
– Best use ever for cereal-o’s
– Turn a plate and bowl into a custom bird feeder
We are all going to have the best-fed birds EVER.
More Summer Fun
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Because summer should not taste like angst-flavored popsicles, it just shouldn’t.
