How to make a plant pot bird feeder (with added bling)

They dress up in feathers, show off with mid air stunts and screech at the top of their voices in the early hours of every morning - so don't try and tell me birds aren't total divas.

And divas, as we know, like nothing more than a bit of show off bling which is why they'll love this bird feeder (probably). It might also pull in few extra visitors this weekend for you to record on the RSPB Great Garden Birdwatch (it only takes an hour and is a great way to get the kids watching, identifying and recording birds).

1. Ask the children to wash out some small garden pots (you could use plastic ones, but terracotta look a wee bit classier) - preferably outside in an old bucket or basin.

2. When they have dried, use acrylic paint to add colour to the rim of the pot.

3. Thread a long piece of ribbon twice through the hole at the base of the pot and round again, leaving plenty at both ends to tie it to a branch or bracket. If you're not a fan of 'bling' you could go for twine or string instead.

4. Make up your bird food mix: in a bowl add a block of lard to two cups of porridge oats, one of flour and one of bird seed mix.  Provided the lard is at room temperature, the children can mix it all together by squishing with their hands and you don't need to heat anything on the stove.

5. Squish the bird food mix into the pot until it reaches the top (you should have enough mix for 2-3 pots depending on their size).

6. For added decoration (and treats) you can also tie some clusters of berries to the ribbon above the pot - or even some painted pinecones.

7. Hang your feeder from a branch or wall bracket and wait for the birds to visit. This fat-based snack is particularly popular with tits, thrushes and wrens but they are often wary of new objects so may take a day before they start to visit this new feeder. Then again, they may simply shun it because it doesn't have enough sequins. Sheesh - divas!

 

Comments

[Place to Stand]

I am the most 'craft challenged' person on earth however I am going to have a crack at this - mainly as it feels rather mischievous to play with lard - we grew up on dripping sandwiches....sssshhhh

[Dawn]

There is *nothing* nicer - or indeed more mischievous - than squishing soft lard between your fingers. Have fun!