This week's fun activity... Recycled Water Bottle Bird feeder

This week we'll recycle a plastic water or soda bottle and turn it into a bird feeder!

Materials: Plastic Bottle - 16 oz. or 20 oz. works well. (Anything larger may not bear the weight if hung on a tree branch, when filled with seed.) Scissors Stick or Dowel Rod Eye Hook Screw Stones (Small, smooth, and flat stones work best) Glue (Water Based or Hot Glue if available) Pieces of Bark Bird Seed

Step 1 - Clean and Dry Wash and clean your plastic bottle.   Make sure it’s fully dry before filling it with seed because wet bird seed will mildew/rot and the birds will not be attracted.

Step 2 - Cut About two inches from the bottom of your bottle, cut out a large hole.   This should be big enough so that birds can easily reach the birdseed inside the bottle.   Use a scissors to poke through the plastic and then cut the opening.

Step 3 – (Optional) - Add a Perch Below the large hole, cut out a smaller hole large enough to poke the stick or dowel rod through the bottle.  Cut out another hole on the opposite side so the stick is completely through the bottle.   This helps the perch be stable enough to support the bird.

Step 4 - Hook Take your eye hook and screw it into the plastic cap.   This will allow you to hang it.

Step 5 - Decorate Starting anywhere on your bottle, add a bit of glue to the outside.   If using hot glue, attach your stones while the glue is still hot and adhesive.  If using water based glue, let it dry for a few minutes to become more "tacky" before attaching your stones.   Repeat this step until your bottle has a stony exterior.   The natural appearance makes it more attractive to birds!

Step 6 - Add a Roof O nce your bottle is covered in stones, it’s time to add a roof!   Add some hot glue around your bottle cap, and attach pieces of bark.   You can add more layers if you want a “tiled” look by adding more glue and placing more bark on top.   Don’t be stingy with the glue, you want the roof to be as secure as possible.   Adding the roof will keep your bird seed dry.

Step 7 – Fill Pour some bird seed into your feeder through the opening you created in Step Two.   Remember to check regularly and replace your seed every few days or every week.   Pour out the old seed each time you refill your feeder.

Step 8 - Hang and Enjoy! Find a sheltered spot and hang your bird feeder.   The birds may take a few days to notice it and become comfortable, but they’ll soon visit and establish a regular pattern of eating from the feeder.

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We’d love to see your creativity! Tag us on:  Facebook ( Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens )  Twitter (@FBBG) or Instagram (friendsofbbg)  to show off your Recycled Water Bottle Bird Feeder or any of our weekly activities!

Please continue to watch for our weekly activities...  fun learning for ALL ages!