Making your own bird feeder is an easy thing to do and a great way to help our bird friends make it through the last days of winter. You can make all kinds of bird feeders with a little bird seed and items you have in your house right now! Gather up bird seed, empty paper towel rolls or empty toilet paper rolls, peanut butter and some twine or even thread.
Step 1: Thread a big needle with twine or thread and push it through the top of the cardboard toilet paper roll, about an inch from the top. Push it through the other side of roll as well. Tie the twine securely in a knot. This makes a hanger for your bird feeder that you can loop over a tree branch.
Step 2: Smear a layer of peanut butter over the outside of the toilet paper roll.
Step 3: Put your bird seed in pan or dish just big enough to hold the roll. Gently roll it in the bird seed until all sides are covered.
Step 4: Hang it in a tree and watch the birds discover their treat! You may also discover that squirrels enjoy this treat as well!
Variations: Make the same type of toilet paper bird feeder without the twine loop – just slide over a small branch. Or use a paper towel roll for a bigger feeder. Push a kabob skewer thru the roll at different angles to make perches for the birds.
Written by Tish Szurek, Extension Master Gardener VolunteerÂ