| Issue #40, January 11, 2008 |
Feed the Birds 
We all know birds are supposed to fly south for the winter, but here on the East End there are many winter visitors and year rounders (white throated sparrows, fox sparrows, hawks, owls, juncos, waterfowl, etc.) And since food is scarce for birds during the winter, it is a great time to help feed them. But instead of just scattering breadcrumbs on the ground, make a homemade birdfeeder and watch our feathered friends feast in your own backyard. The following are three birdfeeders that can easily be made at home.
Milk Carton Birdfeeder
Supplies
A small milk carton (the kind from school)
Non-toxic poster paints
Stapler
Staples
Hole punch
String
Directions
Thoroughly wash and dry the milk carton. Then cut a small section from one of the four walls of the milk carton where the birds will feed. Staple the top opening of the container (where you drink from) shut. Paint the milk carton whichever color you desire, but keep in mind that shades of tan, brown and green will blend best with the tree. Poke a hole in the top of the milk carton and thread a piece of string through it to use for hanging the feeder on the tree. Add birdseed to the feeder and hang from a tree so that it doesn't rub against branches, but is still within the leaves.
A milk carton birdfeeder won't last long, but it is easy to make, so you can always have another ready to go.
Pinecone and Peanut Butter Birdfeeder
Supplies
Pinecone
Peanut butter
String
2 paper plates
Birdseed
Directions
Tie string tightly around pinecone. Spread peanut butter on each section of the pinecone using a plastic knife. Place the pinecone on a paper plate and pour birdseed over the pinecone. Then transfer the pinecone to the other paper plate and flip to the uncovered side. Then pour the birdseed that didn't stick from the other plate onto the pinecone. Continue this until the pinecone is well covered. Finally, hang the pinecone from a tree branch.
Bagel Birdfeeder
Supplies
1 day old bagel
Lard
Birdseed
String
1 gallon Ziploc bag
Directions
Spread the lard on the bagel, and then place the bagel in the Ziploc bag filled with birdseed and shake until bagel is fully covered. Tie the string through the hole of the bagel and hang from a tree branch.
Bagel birdfeeders are great because the birds can eat the whole thing!
- Janine Cheviot
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