Homemade Gifts for Bird Lovers
Whether you are a bird owner or just a bird watcher, there is a lot to love about our fine feathered friends. If the bird lover is a friend or member of your family, giving them a gift that reflects his interest can mean so much. For a customized gift that does not cost a fortune, opt to make one yourself.
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Bird Feeders
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There are a variety of outdoor bird feeders you can make. If the bird lover likes a specific type of bird, research the type of seeds that bird eats and plan your feeder accordingly. Make sure it is a type of bird that lives or migrates through your area though or the feeder may go to waste. Making these feeders is a great activity to do with children, and getting them involved in making something for others is a wonderful lesson in sharing.
Take a walk in your yard or a park and gather several pine cones. If you do not live in an area that has pines, most arts and crafts stores sell them. Using a spatula, put peanut butter around the outside much the same way as you would ice a cake. There is no need to push the peanut butter far down into the pine cone because the birds will not be able to reach it. Pour bird seed onto a paper plate then roll the pine cone in it until the peanut butter is completely covered. Tie a loop into a piece of ribbon then loop underneath the top row of the pine cone so you can hang the feeder on a branch outside.
Another type of bird feeder using peanut butter is a Christmas tree. Cut a tree shape out of whole wheat bread using a knife for cookie cutter. After toasting lightly, spread both sides with peanut butter and roll in bird seeds. Add a few nuts and dried raisins or cranberries to look like ornaments then wrap in clear plastic wrap until ready to give.
Bird Houses
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Bird houses can be made wood, plastic or other recycled materials. To construct a house from wood, you will need a drill, saw, screwdriver and tape measure. Buy half-inch plywood, wood screws, and nails. If you want to personalize the bird house, buy paint and brushes.
Measure and cut your wood to the desired dimensions, taking care to wear safety glasses to prevent debris from getting into your eyes. For the opening on the front of the bird house, drill a 1 1/2 inch opening so the birds can get in and out. Attach the front to the sides using wood screws then attach the back.
Add the roof and bottom using wood screws, then decide whether you want to paint or stain the house. If so, make sure the paint dries completely after each coat to prevent smearing. Paint decorative touches such as flowers or birds if desired.
For a more simple gift, opt to reuse cardboard milk cartons. Cut an opening in one side for the bird to get in and out of and poke a hole below the opening for the perch. Slip a dowel through the perch hole and poke a hole on the opposite side. Thread the dowel through that side so there will be two perches.
Paint the entire house with two or three coats of paint until none of the writing on the carton shows through. You can create a roof using Popsicle sticks glued to the angled edges of the carton. Punch a hole through the top and string twine so the finished house can hang.
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