Birds are an integral part of any garden - they eat harmful pests and contribute to pollination. They also provide a lesson in the cycles of nature as they build nests, lay eggs, and feed their young. Attract birds to your garden with these fun birdfeeders made from recycled materials.

For more fun activities that increase biodiversity in the garden, check out Welcoming Wildlife.

Soda bottle feeder

Supplies:

Clean 1-liter soda bottle
Craft knife
Small eye screw
Length of twine for hanging
2 wooden spoons (already used) or 2 sticks

1. Start by drawing a ½-inch asterisk on the side of a clean 1-liter soda bottle, about 4 inches from the bottom
2. Rotate the bottle 90 degrees and draw another asterisk 2 inches from the bottom 
3. Draw a 1-inch wide circle opposite each asterisk
4. Use a craft knife to slit the asterisk lines and cut out the circles (a parent’s job)
5. Insert a wooden spoon handle first through each hole and then through the opposite asterisk, as shown
6. Remove the bottle cap and twist a small eye screw into the top of it for hanging
7. Finally, fill your feeder with birdseed, recap it, and use a length of twine to hang it from a tree

Milk Carton Feeder

Supplies:

Milk carton, any size
Dowel or pencil for perch
Stapler
Scissors
Acrylic paint/brush
String or wire for hanging

1. Wash and dry selected milk carton make a hole that is about 2 1/2” wide on both sides
2. Punch a tiny hole into both sides to slide the perch into 
3. Optional: paint the birdfeeder with nontoxic paint the milk carton with birdseed 
4. Staple top shut 
5. Attach a wire or string to hang the birdhouse/feeder 

 Variations: the birdfeeder can also be made a birdhouse

Gourd Bird Feeder

Supplies:

Large fruit, vegetable, or gourd (squash, pumpkin, pineapple, any type of melon)
Knife and spoon
Cutting board
Electric drill or hammer and nail
Several feet of string

1. Ask an adult to use a sharp knife to slice the very top off your squash, leaving enough of an opening for birds to get into 
2. Scoop out the insides and put them aside to eat later
3. Drill or use a hammer and nail to create a hole on each side of the rind near the top. For extra balance, you could poke four holes, one on each side
4. From the outside of the squash, place string through the first hole and stretch across the squash to pull it through the hole to the other outside edge. Leave a long piece on each side
5. Lift the middle of the string up and knot the ends so you have a good length to hang it
6. Place hollow feeder in the fridge or freezer until ready to fill
7. Fill the hollow feeder with a mixture of peanut butter, birdseed, and quick cooking oats
8. Hang your feeder