Treats for the birds - create a bird feeder

05/11/2011
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	I was in the shops the other day and they were choc-a-bloc with bird feeders of all shapes and sizes, fat balls, fat stars and a whole array of seed mixes. I have to admit; some of them look so cute, even I was tempted. But no, I resisted. Instead I thought about making some with the kids. There are so many great bird projects you can do with your children; they just adore looking at birds coming into the garden in winter. Have a look at the kids zone at www.birdwatchireland.ie, where you will find lots of interesting projects including bird tables, bird feeders made from cartons, nesting boxes along with wonderful exercises and projects to do in school and at home.
t’s fun to design your own too. I stocked up with netting, wire and string and came up with a few tasty treats. I made these with a class of 10 six year olds yesterday and they were totally excited and didn’t mind the mess at all! Why don’t you have a go too? You will need: 1. Wild bird seed mix 2. Peanuts 3. Suet of Fat 4. Twine and flexible wire (optional) 5. Opt 1. Oranges, lemons or grapefruit 6. Opt 2. Pine cones 7. Opt 3. Fine netting
	How to: 1. Mix the fat and the seeds. 2. Fruit feeders, cut fruit in half and scoop out the flesh. Thread wire through in both directions, and loop to make 4 handles to fix twine to, to hang feeder. These feeders should hang like a bowl to allow birds to perch on the side to access the seed mix. Fill with seed mix, tread twine through the loops and hang. 3. Pinecones - use the wire to make a hanging loop at the top of the pinecone. Rub fat onto all sides of the pinecone. Roll the pinecone in loose seeds and add string to hang. 4. Fat balls - roll seed mix into a 5cm ball. Wrap with netting and tie securely at the top, add string to hang.

Clear away debris once feeders are empty, you can reuse wire for your next feeders. ENJOY!

Thanks to Ailish of Sow and Grow for submitting this article. Ailish runs gardening classes for children and can work with creches, pre-schools and schools. Ailish also runs fun gardening birthday parties.

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