It’s summertime, and that means there is a whole world of possibilities for activities your kids can do. It’s always fun to build new things with your kids and let them see it in action. If your kids love animals, get them to work building a DIY bird oasis for their feathered friends. Then let them watch as the birds enjoy their new homes!
Bird Feeder
Using either an empty toilet paper roll or a pine cone, your child can make a simple bird feeder all on their own. Have them take the object (if using a pine cone, show them how to hold it without it poking themselves) and cover it with peanut butter—smooth, not crunchy. Once the object is covered, help them roll and completely cover it in birdseed. Next, secure a string to one end of it and hang it from a tree or pole. Then let them sit back and watch as the birds find their new treat!
Create a Birdhouse
This one can be a little more difficult. There are birdhouse kits you can buy, or you can make it from scratch. Just be sure not to forget to include an opening for the birds to go in and out.
Plans for birdhouses are available online and many are free to follow. Or just have fun and let your child help you make one up from scratch using their imagination!
If you make it from scratch, you are going to need at least six boards that are roughly even in size. Let your child help you nail them together to form the house. Then, using paint that will hold up outdoors, let them have fun painting the outside in whatever design or color they choose.* You will need to either secure the birdhouse to a tree or pole so that it will stay up as the birds come in and out.
*Note: No matter what paint you use, avoid painting near the entrance hole, any ventilation holes, or on the inside of the house
Build a Bird Bath
For this project, you will need three flower pots that are slightly different sizes. The flower pots will be sitting open-end-down and stacked on top of each other to create the base for the bird bath. The largest of the pots will be on the bottom and the smallest on top. There should be enough difference in size that when the smaller is placed on top of the larger pot, it doesn’t fully slide all the way down.
Let your child paint the flower pots before you put them together so it will be easier for them. You can use glue to hold them together or just let them rest on top of each other, allowing you to take them down when needed. Use the saucer from the largest flower pot as the actual bird bath on top.
If you really want to get creative, fasten the smallest pot’s saucer to the side of the larger one to create a resting perch for the birds!
While building a bird oasis is a great summer activity, some birds are around all year, even in colder parts of the country. Check out the link below to see how you can help support them through the winter.
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