We all remember making pine cone bird feeders as kids, whether it was at home or school. But did you know these easy and inexpensive feeders are actually an excellent winter food source for many species of birds? It’s time to nurture your inner kid and the feathered inhabitants of your backyard.
Pine Cone Bird Feeders Are Great for Birds
Many songbirds don’t migrate for the winter and rely on local food sources. However, well into the season, those food supplies can dwindle, especially if it’s been a long and cold winter. Those of us who enjoy hosting these birds in our backyard help out by providing seed in feeders.
But you can go a step further by providing them with essential nutrients that can be hard to find in the winter.
Birds need high-protein and high-fat sources to survive extremely cold temperatures, which is why this childhood craft isn’t just for the kids – it’s for the birds. Peanut butter is an excellent source of both protein and fat. Pine cone bird feeders are easy and quick to make and can provide birds with much-needed food this winter. Let’s make a few!
Here’s What You’ll Need
Pine Cones
Larger pine cones are great if you can get your hands on them. But even smaller, sturdy cones, like those from Ponderosa pines are just fine. Before using them, you’ll want to bake them first. This will kill any bugs hiding in them and open them up a bit more, which makes it easier to pack in more peanut butter.
You can read how to bake pine cones for this (and other crafts) here.
String or Twine
It’s best to use string or twine that will break down naturally. That way, you don’t have to worry about collecting it once the birds have finished with the feeder. 100% cotton yarn, such as the Sugar ‘n Cream dishcloth cotton or baker’s/butcher string work well. Jute twine is also a good option.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is good for birds in the same way it’s good for us – it’s high in protein and filled with healthy fats. The same birds that rely on insects during the summer will benefit from a reliable source of nutrient-dense food in the winter, and these bird feeders fit the bill.
Just like us, birds don’t need the added sugar, so opt for natural or zero-sugar varieties of peanut butter. If you want to go the extra mile, use chunky peanut butter. You’ll have a backyard full of happy birds.
Peanut Butter Alternatives
Birds such as chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and bluejays all benefit from a quality fat source during cold winters. If you want to offer them something beyond peanut butter, lard and beef tallow are both excellent options that are easy to find in the supermarket. Birds can easily metabolize these animal fats.
Birdseed
Use whatever bird seed you normally put in your bird feeders. Something that’s geared towards songbirds will have several types of seeds, including sunflower, cracked corn and millet and will appeal to more varieties of birds.
Crushed Peanuts
If you don’t have birdseed on hand, unsalted peanuts are an excellent alternative. I roughly chopped these peanuts with my chef’s knife.
Pine Cone Bird Feeders – a Quick Refresher
- Tie a length of twine around the top of the pine cone.
- Using a rubber spatula, press peanut butter all over the cone. (You might want to wear gloves for this.) Coat the bottom of the cone and try to get as much peanut butter between the petals of the pine cone as possible.
- Roll the pine cone in birdseed or crushed peanuts.
- Hang where birds will visit.
And, of course, this is always a fun craft to do with the kids or grandkids.
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