In the winter, it is often more difficult for birds to find food. There are far fewer insects available and the cold weather means they need more energy, as their bodies are having to work harder to keep warm.
This activity is the perfect combination of winter craft and action to support your local wildlife – giving the birds a hearty Christmas dinner!
Below we have shown you how to make bird feeders using cookie cutters. You can make them and hang them up on a tree – a bonus decoration factor!
What you will need:
- Lard (vegetable lard works too!)
- Wild bird seed
- Bowl
- Butter knife
- Cookie cutters
- Baking tray and greaseproof paper
- Ribbon/string
How to make your bird feeder decorations:
- Leave the lard out so it becomes room temperature. Then cut the soft lard into pieces using your butter knife.
- Pour your wild bird seed into a bowl, add the cut-up lard, and mix everything together. You can get your hands dirty here!
- Line a baking tray with some greaseproof paper and place your cookie cutters on top.
- Press your mixture into the cookie cutters so they are full and firm. Make sure to poke a hole at the top of each one (you can use something like a straw or ped lid to do so)
- Put them in the fridge to set
- When they are ready, pop them out of the cookie cutters. Thread your ribbon through them and they are ready to be hung outside for the birds!