How to Attract Nuthatches and Starlings

Nuthatches are those unusual birds that walk head-first down trees. Starlings flock together with other birds like crows and sparrows. Both nuthatches and starlings are fond of food high in protein and fat. This can be difficult for them to find during the winter. You can attract these birds by making hanging peanut feeders.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 lb. Raw, unroasted, unsalted peanuts in shells
• 36 inches of thin steel wire or fishing line
• 1 Large-eyed needle
• 1 Hook

1. Place the peanuts in a large bowl in the middle of the table. If you are working with young children, ask them to guess how many peanuts will fit on the wire or string. Write down their guesses to verify later.
2. Thread the fishing line into the needle unless you are using a piece of wire. The sharp end of the wire will work just like a needle.
3. String the peanuts one at a time by pushing the needle or the wire through the shell of each peanut. Continue adding peanuts until the string or wire is filled. If you are working with several children together, ask them to take turns handing you the peanuts.
4. Count the peanuts that are on the string or wire out loud with the children helping. Give a prize to the child who guessed, or came closest to guessing, how many peanuts would fill the string.
5. Install the hook outside under a roof or balcony. You could also hang it from a free-standing bird feeder hook that you can purchase at a hardware store or from a specialty bird store.
6. Watch what kinds of birds arrive to feed from your peanut feeder. Look up their pictures in a bird-watcher’s guide. Take pictures of them and record how many arrive to eat each day. This can become a science project for elementary school children.

Tips & Warnings

• Nuthatches are likely to hide the nuts to eat later. Other species like chickadees and blue jays may also do this.
• Never use salted or roasted peanuts.