The Birdfeeder Young Builders Project from Homco Lumber & Hardware is easy for even small children to complete and encourages an interest in the science and study of animals. Birdfeeders can attract a wide range of bird species, and you can even choose bird seed mixes designed to attract your child’s favorite. Or, you can experiment with different seeds and blends throughout the year to see how many new bird species visit.
Ready to learn how to build a simple, rustic bird feeder and attract wildlife to your Flagstaff, Arizona, yard? Check out the video below from Nick, one of the experts in the STIHL department at HomCo Lumber & Hardware, and keep reading for step-by-step instructions.
What You’ll need for this Project
You can make your bird feeder using firewood or fallen branches from your yard. To make this bird feeder, you’ll need:
- A 1.5-2’ long log or branch, approximately 2-3” in diameter
- Twine or rope, 12 - 24” long, depending on how low you’d like it to hang.
- Drill with a ¼” or larger drill bit and spade bit. An adult or supervised older child will need to drill a hole through the top of the wood for the string and add 4-6 holes approximately 1” deep randomly on the log’s surface using the spade bit. Once you've drilled the wood, you can complete the steps below.
Step #1: Start threading Your String Through the Holes
Start by threading the string through the small hole at the top of the stick. If the strand has a frayed end or you’re having difficulty pushing it through the wood, you can wrap the end in tape. Then, use a small, thin item, like a nail or bent paperclip, to help push the string through to the other side.
Once the string is threaded through, tie a knot at the top to create the loop you'll use to hang your bird feeder.
Step #2: Add Your Favorite Bird Food
Once your birdfeeder is ready to hang, it’s time to add your favorite bird food. One easy option is to add peanut butter to each of the holes. Then, after you’ve filled each hole, press birdseed into the peanut butter so it sticks. Warning: this part gets sticky!
If you don’t want to use peanut butter, you can also use suet to fill each hole. Many insect-eating birds, like nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers, love suet, especially in winter when fewer bugs are around. However, when it’s hot outside (above 80°), the suet can turn rancid (and smelly!), so it’s better to save suet for fall and winter.
After you’ve added your favorite bird food, you’re ready to hang your bird feeder and enjoy the new visitors to your yard!
Start Building Your Own Birdfeeder!
If your child is interested in birds, the environment, building (or all three!), this project is a perfect way to welcome the coming fall weather. Once you've finished your birdhouse, hang it outside, where you can sit and enjoy it. Find a spot near a window, if you can, so you can watch the winter birds from indoors when cold weather arrives. It's also a great project to get kids excited to learn more about Arizona wildlife and encourages sustainable habits by re-using found objects.
The Birdfeeder Young Builders Project from Homco Lumber & Hardware is easy for even small children to complete and encourages an interest in the science and study of animals. Birdfeeders can attract a wide range of bird species, and you can even choose bird seed mixes designed to attract your child’s favorite. Or, you can experiment with different seeds and blends throughout the year to see how many new bird species visit.
Ready to learn how to build a simple, rustic bird feeder and attract wildlife to your Flagstaff, Arizona, yard? Check out the video below from Nick, one of the experts in the STIHL department at HomCo Lumber & Hardware, and keep reading for step-by-step instructions.
What You’ll need for this Project
You can make your bird feeder using firewood or fallen branches from your yard. To make this bird feeder, you’ll need:
- A 1.5-2’ long log or branch, approximately 2-3” in diameter
- Twine or rope, 12 - 24” long, depending on how low you’d like it to hang.
- Drill with a ¼” or larger drill bit and spade bit. An adult or supervised older child will need to drill a hole through the top of the wood for the string and add 4-6 holes approximately 1” deep randomly on the log’s surface using the spade bit. Once you've drilled the wood, you can complete the steps below.
Step #1: Start threading Your String Through the Holes
Start by threading the string through the small hole at the top of the stick. If the strand has a frayed end or you’re having difficulty pushing it through the wood, you can wrap the end in tape. Then, use a small, thin item, like a nail or bent paperclip, to help push the string through to the other side.
Once the string is threaded through, tie a knot at the top to create the loop you'll use to hang your bird feeder.
Step #2: Add Your Favorite Bird Food
Once your birdfeeder is ready to hang, it’s time to add your favorite bird food. One easy option is to add peanut butter to each of the holes. Then, after you’ve filled each hole, press birdseed into the peanut butter so it sticks. Warning: this part gets sticky!
If you don’t want to use peanut butter, you can also use suet to fill each hole. Many insect-eating birds, like nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers, love suet, especially in winter when fewer bugs are around. However, when it’s hot outside (above 80°), the suet can turn rancid (and smelly!), so it’s better to save suet for fall and winter.
After you’ve added your favorite bird food, you’re ready to hang your bird feeder and enjoy the new visitors to your yard!
Start Building Your Own Birdfeeder!
If your child is interested in birds, the environment, building (or all three!), this project is a perfect way to welcome the coming fall weather. Once you've finished your birdhouse, hang it outside, where you can sit and enjoy it. Find a spot near a window, if you can, so you can watch the winter birds from indoors when cold weather arrives. It's also a great project to get kids excited to learn more about Arizona wildlife and encourages sustainable habits by re-using found objects.