An Easy Christmas Gift - for the Birds!

During this season of giving, most pet-owners include the names of their furry friends on their "who-to-buy-for" shopping lists. I love going in to the pet store in December, and seeing people of all ages buying gifts for their pets. I have watched all sorts of people (older ladies, burly men, and small children) spend considerable amounts of time deliberating over choosing a catnip mouse for their cat, or a chew toy for their dog. It warms my heart to know that so many animals are well loved.

Our dog and cat have lived through enough Christmas seasons, that they now get excited when the Christmas tree goes up.  I always gift-wrap their treats - usually a huge bone for the dog and a catnip toy for the cat.  One year we made the mistake of encouraging them to open them.  Now, they think that maybe all wrapped presents are theirs to unwrap!

When it is cold and snowy out, there are some other creatures who would love a little treat as well.  Birds that have not flown south for the winter can have a tough time finding food.  Putting out a feeder is a good way to make them happy.  There are all sorts of feeders available for purchase - a friend of mine even has a heated birdbath which attracts all sorts of birds.

But, don't worry.  Proving a holiday treat for our feathered friends doesn't have to be expensive.  Last year I wrote about how to make a festive holiday decoration, which doubles as a homemade bird feeder. It takes just a few minutes to assemble, and it is an easy enough craft for even small children to do.
  

A homemade bird feeder can be a festive decoration as well as a holiday treat for the birds in your area.

Easy Directions for How To Make a  Festive Birdfeeder

What you need:

•   A pinecone

•   Ribbon

•   Thin wire

•   Pine boughs - artificial or real

•   Peanut butter

•   Birdseed

•   A "shepherd hook" or other pole or place to hang the feeder.

Instructions:

•   Tie the ribbon securely around the top of the pinecone (under a sturdy layer of scales) and make a decorative bow.

•   Attach pine boughs to the ribbon, behind the pinecone, using wire.

•   Attach a wire loop of appropriate length for hanging the feeder from your hook.

•   Coat the pinecone well with peanut butter, being careful to not smear it on the ribbon or pine boughs.

•   Put some birdseed in a bowl and roll the pinecone in it until well coated.

•   Hang your bird feeder and enjoy the birds that come to visit.

Note: Some people claim that peanut butter may be bad for birds, but my research indicated that this may just be a myth. If you are still concerned, or if you have a peanut allergy, solid vegetable shortening can be used instead.

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Birds provide us gifts of beauty and song, and help reduce the insect population in our gardens. This holiday season, when food is scarce, provide the birds in your area with a welcome treat. And remember to shop for a special treat for your pets as well!

Just a reminder about December 15th

This is a little off topic, but still on the subject of gifts. In ten days I get to give one lucky blogger the opportunity to win an awesome prize.  Save the date for my giveaway on December 15th, and be sure to stop back and enter!

31 Days of Blogging Deals and Giveaways

Have you ever made a pinecone bird feeder? Did the birds like it?

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Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains an Amazon affiliate link, for which I may receive compensation if any purchases are made. All opinions expressed, however, are entirely my own.