Easy Pinecone Bird Feeders

A few days after Christmas, I had some spare time and spare pinecones on hand, so I put together some easy pinecone bird feeders for the back yard.  I remember doing this when I was little, in Girl Scouts and in church camp. Then when I had young kids, we did this together.  And even now,  I like to make these now and then just to add a little something different to the bird feeders.

It really couldn't be any easier. For this activity you need: pinecones, string, peanut butter, and birdseed or breadcrumbs. (I used both.)

Start with some pinecones and some string of some sort.  You could use ribbon, string, or twine.  I had some twine on hand.   My pinecones are on the large side - roughy 4-5" long and 2-3" in diameter.  They're old cinnamon scented ones that I've had for years and years, and they're starting to fall apart.  Don't ask why I have years-old pinecones... when it comes to Christmas decorations, I save everything.

Anyway... tie the string around the end of the pinecone, getting up under the leaves and making a knot to hold it tight.   You could make a loop out of your string  to hang onto tree branches if you wanted. I just made a long tail with mine.  But you could make yours much cuter if you want.

Next, smear some peanut butter all over the pinecone, getting it smooshed down deep into the pinecone leaves.  Don't be stingy with the peanut butter - get it in there good and deep.  I'm sure some critter or another will appreciate the extra protein and fat that you're providing during the cold winter months.

Now, roll the peanut buttery pinecone in the birdseed...

...or into the breadcrumbs.

Make sure the entire pinecone and peanut buttery areas are fully covered.

Now all you have to do is hang them outside in a tree. It helps to have a low tree, and/or a tall son, to hang them.

Now sit back in a nice comfy patio chair (or, sit inside beside the window) and enjoy your new bird feeding station.

 

How about you... Do you have a bird feeder in your yard? I'd love to hear about it! Please leave a comment to say hello!