Do you ever wonder what you can do with those old coffee cups instead of just throwing them away? Why not make an adorable little bird feeder to fill with either hummingbird nectar or bird seed for tiny birds to eat. We need these valuable pollinators and they are beautiful to have around. Here is an easy little project out of my book "A Birthday Party for Mother Earth".
I have made these simple little bird feeders with several groups of children. They are easy and fun for every small child (and they keep the used coffee cups out of landfills). The directions: take a small 4" cup and cut a circular hole about 1 1/2" in diameter in the middle of one side (Starbucks cups work really well because of their circular logo but any cup with a lid will do). An adult should cut around the hole of the circle about half way down but leave the bottom half still connected. At this point your child can decide if he or she wants a bird feeder with seeds or a hummingbird feeder with nectar. Turn the lip out for a small bird to perch on for a seed feeder or turn it in for a hummingbird feeder. Paint the cup red to attract the birds (birds, particularly hummingbirds are drawn to red) and decorate it with colorful stickers. Next cut a second hole in the cup lid across from the hole for the straw which is already there. Thread a pipe cleaner or heavy string through the two holes and tape the excess to the bottom of the cup lid. Put the lid on your cup, fill with food and you are all set!
I have made these simple little bird feeders with several groups of children. They are easy and fun for every small child (and they keep the used coffee cups out of landfills). The directions: take a small 4" cup and cut a circular hole about 1 1/2" in diameter in the middle of one side (Starbucks cups work really well because of their circular logo but any cup with a lid will do). An adult should cut around the hole of the circle about half way down but leave the bottom half still connected. At this point your child can decide if he or she wants a bird feeder with seeds or a hummingbird feeder with nectar. Turn the lip out for a small bird to perch on for a seed feeder or turn it in for a hummingbird feeder. Paint the cup red to attract the birds (birds, particularly hummingbirds are drawn to red) and decorate it with colorful stickers. Next cut a second hole in the cup lid across from the hole for the straw which is already there. Thread a pipe cleaner or heavy string through the two holes and tape the excess to the bottom of the cup lid. Put the lid on your cup, fill with food and you are all set!
A recipe for hummingbird nectar is simple. These little creatures hardly ever stop and they need lots of energy. Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 cup of hot water. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add 1 cup of cold water. Mix and you have a yummy treat for your hummingbirds. Excess hummingbird nectar can be kept in the refrigerator for a week. Be sure and change the nectar in the feeder ofter to keep it fresh and clean.
A hint to keep ants and other unwanted visitors away: put cooking oil on the pipe cleaners or string to make it slippery and hard to reach your bird feeder. Then put your feeders in an easy to see but somewhat protected area for only your birds to enjoy.
A hint to keep ants and other unwanted visitors away: put cooking oil on the pipe cleaners or string to make it slippery and hard to reach your bird feeder. Then put your feeders in an easy to see but somewhat protected area for only your birds to enjoy.
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