Home and Garden

Ideas For DIY

6 Crafts for the Birds and Squirrels

by

As the long winter days come to an end, the arrival of spring brings about a renewed sense of energy and activity in nature. One of the first signs of this transformation is the flurry of activity from outdoor critters. Birds, in particular, begin to appear at bird feeders and fill the air with their chirping melodies. Squirrels, too, start to emerge from their winter hiding places and begin foraging for all those nuts they buried the autumn before.

But the excitement is not limited to the natural world alone. Even the crafting world joins in the celebration of spring and all its wonders. Many creative enthusiasts have taken inspiration from these outdoor creatures and have created some truly amazing projects dedicated to our little feathered and furry friends.

From DIY bird feeders made from recycled materials to charming squirrel houses, there are a plethora of ideas out there for those who want to get creative with their crafting skills. These projects not only provide a fun and engaging way to celebrate the beauty of nature, but they also help to support and sustain our local wildlife populations.

Check out these other Bird Feeder Articles we write about. 

Bread Birdhouses: Want to attract birds to your backyard while adding a unique touch to your outdoor decor? Why not make your very own birdhouses out of bread? These adorable little homes are a great way to reuse stale bread and provide shelter for your feathered friends at the same time. Plus, they’re super easy and fun to make!  

Materials:

A loaf of bread
Twine or string
Peanut butter
Birdseed
Instructions:

Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, so that you have two long, thin pieces of bread.
Take one half of the bread and spread peanut butter generously over the entire surface of the bread.
Sprinkle birdseed onto the peanut butter, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Take the other half of the bread and place it on top of the peanut butter and birdseed-covered bread, sandwiching the two halves together.
Cut a piece of twine or string that is long enough to go around the entire loaf of bread.
Tie the twine or string tightly around the loaf of bread, making sure it is secure.
Tie another piece of twine or string to the top of the bread, creating a loop for hanging the bird feeder.
Hang the bird feeder in a tree or other outdoor area where birds are known to frequent.
Watch as birds come to enjoy the birdseed on your homemade bird feeder!
Note: This bird feeder is intended for one-time use, as the bread will eventually break down and become moldy. It’s important to clean out any uneaten bread and replace it with fresh bread and birdseed regularly to prevent the spread of disease among the bird population.

 

Chopstick and Coke Can Bird Feeder: Looking for a fun and creative way to upcycle some household items? Check out this DIY bird feeder made from chopsticks and a soda can! Not only is it a great way to reuse materials, but it’s also an easy and inexpensive project that can bring a lot of joy to your backyard.

Pumpkin Bird Feeder: Fall is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful colors and crisp air. Why not add a little something extra to your autumnal decor by making a pumpkin bird feeder? This unique and seasonal project is a great way to attract birds to your backyard while celebrating the changing of the seasons.

Homemade Hummingbird Feeder: Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating and beautiful birds in the world, and attracting them to your backyard can be a truly magical experience. With this easy and affordable DIY hummingbird feeder, you can create a welcoming environment for these tiny creatures and enjoy their company all year round.

Nesting Material Hangers: Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and that goes for the animal kingdom too! Help your backyard birds prepare for the upcoming nesting season with these DIY nesting material hangers. They’re a simple and effective way to provide nesting materials for your feathered friends and watch as they build their homes right before your eyes.

DIY Squirrel Feeder: Squirrels may sometimes be seen as a nuisance, but there’s no denying that they’re cute and entertaining creatures. Why not embrace their presence in your backyard by building them a DIY squirrel feeder? This project is a fun and easy way to provide food for your furry friends while giving yourself a front-row seat to their antics.

 

Birds have different diet preferences, and different species prefer different feeder styles.  Pick a seed mix based on the birds you would like to encourage in your garden. The cheapest birdseed is often loaded with inexpensive fillers such as cracked corn, oats, or wheat. Visit your local pet food store to ask them for their recommendations. You may want to feed the birds leftovers from your kitchen but whilst bread may be made from grains, it is also heavily processed and is not good for the birds. The same goes for crackers and cake scraps.  Did you know you shouldn’t feed ducks bread either? 

Squirrels are quite a problem around bird feeders and can make it difficult for your birds to feed properly, make sure your feeder is up high and not jumping distance from your resident squirrel’s favorite tree.   

Looking to attract hummingbirds? here is a DIY syrup recipe 

  • Boil four cups of water. 
  • Remove water from the heat. 
  • Stir in one cup of white sugar  
  • Do not use honey, brown sugar, molasses, or artificial sugar substitutes for any hummingbird nectar recipe 

Fill a hummingbird feeder with the cooled solution. Many types of hummingbirds prefer red-colored flowers and that is why most feeders are red. 

If you aren’t near an area that naturally attracts hummingbirds, it may take a while for them to find your garden. Be patient and keep trying.  

 

 

Related Posts:

Comments

Have you read?