Suggested Family Activity 🐦 Pinecone Bird Feeder Craft
It is wonderful that you are looking out for our feathered friends this winter! To make this post more engaging and “thorough” for a blog format, we can add a few extra tips—like bird safety, seed selection, and a bit of “why” behind the activity.
Here is a revised, more comprehensive version of your post:
Help Our Feathered Friends: DIY Pinecone Bird Feeders
Winter weather can be incredibly tough on local wildlife. As temperatures drop and snow covers the ground, natural food sources like berries and insects become scarce. To give our backyard birds a much-needed energy boost during this dreary weather, why not gather the family to make a Pinecone Bird Feeder?
It’s a simple, eco-friendly craft that provides a high-protein treat for birds and a great viewing opportunity for you!
What You’ll Need
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Large Pinecones: Open ones work best to hold more “filling.”
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Peanut Butter: (Or vegetable shortening/lard if you have nut allergies in the house).
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Birdseed: A high-quality wild bird mix or sunflower seeds.
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Twine, Yarn, or String: About 12 inches per feeder.
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A Shallow Bowl or Tray: For rolling.
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A Butter Knife or Spatula: For spreading.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the Hanger: Before things get messy, tie your twine or string securely around the top “scales” of the pinecone. Make sure it’s tight so it doesn’t slip off once the birds land on it!
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The “Glue”: Using a butter knife or spatula, spread a thick layer of peanut butter all over the pinecone. Try to get it deep into the crevices—this is where the birds will hunt for the best bits.
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The Seed Coating: Pour your birdseed into a bowl deep enough to hold the pinecone. Roll the peanut-covered pinecone in the seeds, pressing down firmly so they stick.
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The Final Hang: Find a sturdy branch outside. We recommend hanging it near a window so you can watch the birds enjoy their treat from the warmth of your home!
Pro-Tips for Success
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Choose the Right Spot: Hang your feeder at least five feet off the ground to keep birds safe from ground predators like cats.
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Know Your Guests: Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers especially love peanut butter and sunflower seeds.
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Bird Safety: If you use peanut butter, ensure it does not contain Xylitol, which can be harmful to animals. Plain, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest choice.
Did you know? Birds need extra fat in the winter to maintain their body temperature through cold nights. Your pinecone feeder provides the essential calories they need to survive the frost!
More Family Fun
Want more ideas for keeping the kids busy and learning this winter? See our previous family activities on our website at
#NERLibrary #NERLSFA #FamilyActivity #BirdWatching #WinterWildlife #PineconeBirdFeeder
