What do birds eat in winter? Studying nature and natural life is a rewarding science activity to set up for kids. Plus, download our free bird printable pack! Make your own super simple DIY bird feeder and add this fun bird-watching activity to your kid’s day!
MAKE A SIMPLE BIRD FEEDER
Add this simple DIY bird feeder to your winter activities this season. While you’re at it, check out more of our favorite winter activities for kids.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Bird Seed Ornament Recipe
Make these easy DIY bird feeders and hang them off a tree in the garden or porch. Find out what wild birds do in the winter to survive!
DIY BIRD FEEDER
YOU WILL NEED:
- empty produce netting (We used a netting that held 3 lemons in it. You can use any produce netting that is similar.)
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups of birdseed (sunflower seeds that are larger in size are a great choice and help make a thick mixture)
- string
- bowl
- spoon
HOW TO MAKE A DIY BIRD FEEDER
STEP 1. In a mixing bowl, mix the birdseed and peanut butter together until a thick paste forms.
STEP 2. Spoon the mixture into a large ball shape. It does not have to be perfectly round. Then freeze the ball shape in the freezer for about 1 hour. This will help it drop into your produce bag nicely without making a huge mess!
STEP 3. Find the bottom of the produce bag. Drop the seed ball into the bag so it reaches the bottom.
STEP 4. Gather the additional netting at the top of the bag and tie it closed with string. You can add additional string for hanging as well.
STEP 5. Hang the bird feeder on a shepherd’s hook or tree branch where birds can find it. The high protein and high fat ingredients will help keep birds fed and warm during the winter months!
WHAT DO BIRDS EAT IN THE WINTER?
When its cold and snowy outside, we get to stay indoors and keep warm. Let’s find out how our local wild birds survive through the cold winter days.
Birds are warm-blooded, which means they maintain a stable body temperature even when the temperature around them changes. Maintaining their body temperature within a normal range depends on the amount of heat the bird produces through the food they eat and their behavioral changes.
ALSO CHECK OUT: How Do Polar Bears Stay Warm?
On cold wintry days birds will fluff up their feathers, which creates pockets of air to keep them warm. Some birds perch on one leg, drawing the other leg to the breast for warmth.
In winter birds may find it hard to get enough food to stay warm. Their natural food may be finished or hidden by snow. Most insects are dead or dormant. Water can be hard to find, and food needed to provide the energy to keep birds warm might be scarce. Rich, high-energy foods such as seeds, insects and suet are great for birds in winter.
PROVIDING FOOD FOR BIRDS IN WINTER
Providing high-calorie and high-fat foods in winter can be important for your local wild birds. Feeders should be located out of the wind. Position your DIY bird feeder in the open but near cover.
Birds will appreciate having a perching spot nearby, such as a bush or tree, to survey the feeding area. Trees provide safe cover from predators and shelter from the wind and weather.
Add this free printable bird theme pack to the hands-on activity!
