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Not all birds fly south for the winter, which is lucky for us here in Upstate New York, as birding
can be a wonderful activity for the whole family all year long. Birding is the observation of
birds in their natural habitats. It can be done inside and outside of the home, through a
window, on a porch, or on a trail. Birding is a great way to connect with nature, even through windows on cold winter days!
Next time you are near a window or outside, take a moment to notice the birds. Connecting
to the natural world has numerous health benefits for all ages. It allows us to recharge,
decrease anxiety, reduce stress and loneliness, improve cognitive development, and not to
mention, it can be fun! Birds are wonderful and wacky creatures with stories to share, once
you begin to pay attention!
Can you share a memorable bird experience from your own life?
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While winter birds can help us through our own winter blahs and blues, winter climate and conditions present intense challenges for them. Food is harder to come by—especially when there’s snow on the ground for a long time—and of course cold temperatures create stressors and hazards. The good news is there are many easy and inexpensive ways to give our feathered friends a hand in winter—for example, by making them home-made feeders!
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Let’s make a Repurposed Jar Bird Feeder!
Supplies needed:
• clean jars (ex. Mason jar or pasta jar)
• wooden dowel ~10 inches long
• twine, yarn, or ribbon
• birdseed
• scissors
• strong glue (ex. Gorilla glue)
• optional: beads for decoration
Steps:
1. Squeeze a line of glue down the center of one side of the jar. Stick the wooden dowel to the glue, with part of the dowel extending out past the opening/mouth of the jar. Also stick the end of the twine in the glue. Allow everything to dry completely.
2. Wrap the twine around and around the jar and dowel. When the jar is covered with twine to your liking, tie off the twine and cut the end.
3. Take two pieces of twine—about 36 inches or three feet long each -- and wrap them around the opening or mouth of the jar. Do this also at the bottom of the jar, wrapping the twin around the wooden dowel to help secure it to the jar.
4. If you wish, decorate the mouth of the jar with beads or other safe adornments! (You can do this at the bottom of the jar, too!)
5. Bring the twine from the mouth and bottom of the jar together, and tie a good, strong knot to create a place/way to hang up your feeder.
6. Fill the jar about halfway with some good wild birdseed mix. (Refill as needed!)
7. Hang your helpful creation in a place where you can easily see from inside and outside!
8. Say hi and hang out with the beautiful birds that visit the buffet you’ve put out for them! Keep a print or online bird guide handy so you can identify the visitors!
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Birds are amazingly strong, tough, resourceful and independent despite looking small and fragile! But they can definitely benefit from human health over the harsh winter. Feeding birds is just one of many things you can do to have a wonderful give-and-receive relationship with our feathered friends! A simple search online for “4-H Bird Activities” will provide many other great hands-on birding ideas.
