Bird Feeder Garland

Activity

Food is in much shorter supply for wildlife over the winter months so why not decorate your outdoor space with this festive garland, packed full of treats for your feathered friends!

  • Estimated time: 30 minutes
  • Location: Outdoors & Indoors
  • School term: Late Autumn
  • Level of experience: No experience needed
  • Subject(s): Science, Art&DT, Social Studies

Learning objectives

  • Research your local bird population
  • Learn about the diets and seasonal needs of wildlife
  • Get creative and be mindful

Preparation

  • Cut up fruit, you can use small cookie cutters to make shapes if desired
  • Buy or use a natural twine that can later be composted for ease of clearing away once the birds have eaten all the fruit. If that isn’t possible remember to clear away and bin the thread or plastic based twine.

Equipment

  • Knife and chopping board (if using large fruit)
  • Cookie cutters (optional)
  • Strong thread or twine
  • A strong needle
  • A selection of fruit
  • Additional feed such as stale popcorn


Step by step

  1. Decide how long you would like your bird garland to be and cut a length of strong thread or twine to size.
  2. Thread a strong needle with your twine. If you’re working with younger children we recommend using a blunt safety needle or pre-cutting holes into slices of fruit so they can be threaded by hand.
  3. Tie a knot in your twine at the opposite end to the needle.
  4. Push the needle through each piece of fruit and tread it onto the twine. Why not use your fruit to make a pretty pattern?
  5. Once your garland is full of tasty treats, remove the needle and secure the end with a knot.
  6. Hang your garland on a balcony, in your garden or use it to decorate an outdoor Christmas tree!

Hints & tips

  • Make sure to check all of the feed you’re using is safe for birds and wildlife to consume. If you have pets, make sure to keep your garland out of their reach.
  • Different species of birds like different treats, why not do a bit of birdwatching and research what your visitors like to eat? Alternatively you can experiment with different snacks and see what gets eaten.
  • Once the birds have enjoyed their tasty garland, any leftovers can be put in the compost bin and if you have used a compostable twine it can also be added.
  • Be sure to remove any fruit that starts to look mouldy from your garland to prevent any harm to birds, pets or other wildlife.

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