It’s nearly winter! Time to consider putting up a bird feeder. Birds need that extra energy in times of temperature extremes and when natural sources of food may not be as readily available. Ready to make a bird feeder?
1. Pick a Bird
First decide what type of birds you wish to attract. Obviously some will be more interested in your location.
Spend a few weeks bird watching. What types do you normally see?
Find a Location
Find a suitable location for a feeder.
You’ll want the location free from predators and frequent traffic. You will also want to suit your location to the type of bird you wish to attract. Some birds prefer open areas, others cover, still others wooded areas, etc.
Determine the Specifics
Determine the height the feeder should be for your specific bird. Birds can be picky about not only the height but how far the feeder is from other objects.
Find a Feed
Decide which type of feed your bird will prefer.
Check the Winter Bird Feeding Guide from Cornell for help in choosing the best feed for your bird.
Choose a Feeder
Choose a feeder that is perfect for the type of feed you select.
Check out these feeder types at Cornell’s Feeder Watch for ideas.
Other Tips
Be sure to leave your feeder up until spring when the birds you have attracted can find abundant food on their own.
Our Wonderful World Winter: Feathered Friends
Nature explorations for winter cover birds, their adaptations (beaks, feet, etc.), bird guardians, and how to attract, feed, and care for birds. In each chapter, children learn about the birds through story before observing and exploring. Includes specifics for providing birdhouses and feeders. Learn more.
Additional Resources
Homemade Bird Feeders
Plans from the National Audubon Society for six different feeders including several that are easy for children to make.
Activity: Make a DIY Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Another idea.
Books
The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats by Sally Roth
Family favorite alphabetically covers everything needed to attract birds to your feeder — from A to Z!
Printables & Notebooking Pages
Common Feeder Birds Mini-Poster
Great download from Cornell for identification or notebook!
Keep Reading
Free Nature Studies: Landlord to the Birds
Landlords to the birds provide shelter, a place to bathe, and food in the winter. Unit resources.
Activity: Make a DIY Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Here is a fun nature activity for you and your family to enjoy this fall: Make a DIY pumpkin bird feeder.
For the Birds ~ Free eBook
For the Birds is a free publication from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that encourages backyard bird watching.