Creating a bird feeder with your child is a wonderful way to connect with nature, nurture creativity, and help our feathered friends through the colder months. This simple, hands-on activity is perfect for little hands and big imaginations. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach your child about kindness towards animals and the importance of looking after wildlife.

What You’ll Need:

• Open pinecones (or fir cones)
• Butter or sunflower spread (softened)
• Bird seed
• String or twine
• A plate or tray (to catch mess)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go on a Pinecone Hunt

Take a walk with your child in the park, woods, or even your garden to find some pinecones. It’s a great excuse to enjoy the fresh air and explore nature. Encourage your child to choose open cones (they look a bit like flowers). If you find closed ones, don’t worry—pop them in the microwave for 30–60 seconds to help them open up.

What they might learn: Observation skills and an appreciation for natural materials found in their surroundings.

2. Prepare the Cone

Once you’re home, tie a piece of string or twine around the top of the pine cone, making a loop for hanging. This is a good time to talk to your child about where they’d like to hang the feeder later—somewhere birds will feel safe but visible enough for watching.

What they might learn: Planning and problem-solving as they think about the best location for birds.

3. Spread the Butter

Give your child a butter knife or spoon and let them smear butter or sunflower spread over the pinecone. Make sure it’s soft enough for them to handle and remind them to fill all the little gaps. (Things might get messy, but that’s part of the fun!)

What they might learn: Coordination and the joy of hands-on crafting.

4. Roll in Bird Seed

Pour some bird seed onto a plate or tray and let your child roll their sticky pine cone in it. Encourage them to press gently to make sure the seeds stick firmly. As they work, you can talk about what birds like to eat and how important it is to help them find food, especially in winter.

What they might learn: A deeper understanding of birds’ diets and the role humans can play in supporting wildlife.

5. Hang It Outside

Together, hang the pinecone feeder in your chosen spot. A tree branch, fence, or even a hook on a balcony will work. Make sure it’s secure and easy for birds to reach.

What they might learn: Responsibility for their creation and anticipation of the results.

6. Watch and Wait

Over the coming days, spend time with your child observing the birds that visit their feeder. Help them identify different species, notice their behaviour, and talk about what they might be saying to each other.

What they might learn: Patience, observation skills, and a sense of wonder for the natural world.

What This Activity Teaches Your Child:

• Kindness to Animals: By providing food, your child learns about caring for wildlife and the importance of helping animals, especially in winter.
• Crafting Skills: The hands-on nature of this activity develops coordination, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment.
• Environmental Awareness: It’s an opportunity to talk about birds, their needs, and how small actions can support local ecosystems.
• Patience and Observation: Watching birds enjoy their creation helps your child develop patience and an appreciation for nature’s beauty.

This activity is simple, satisfying, and full of discovery. Your child will love seeing the birds flock to their handmade feeder, and they’ll feel proud knowing they’ve made a positive impact on the world around them.