DIY Bird Feeder Activity for Kids
This DIY bird feeder activity is the perfect fun and environmentally friendly activity for your students! In this blog post I’m going to be sharing how you can make your own bird feeder using a recycled plastic bottle! It’s a fantastic way to introduce your children to sustainability, wildlife care, and creative problem solving all while helping our feathered friends find a snack!
With just a few basic materials, your students can create their very own bird feeder to hang in the garden, backyard, or even on a balcony. It’s a perfect project for school, home, or outdoor learning days. Read on below to find out more.
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What You’ll Need:
- 1 clean, empty plastic bottle
- Scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision required)
- Birdseed or a mix of grains and seeds
- Duct tape or sturdy tape
- String or twine for hanging
- A stick, pencil, or wooden spoon (optional for a perch)
- Marker or pen (for outlining where to cut)
Instructions:
- Clean and dry your bottle.
Remove labels, rinse thoroughly, and make sure it’s completely dry before starting. - Mark the opening.
Use a marker to draw a large square shape on each side of the bottle. These will be the openings for birds to access the food. - Cut the opening.
Carefully cut along the lines using scissors or a craft knife. Adults should help with this step to ensure safety. - Smooth sharp edges.
Fold duct tape around the edges of the cut opening to make them safe for both birds and kids. - Add a perch (optional).
Make a small hole beneath the opening and insert a stick or pencil for birds to stand on while they eat. You can tape or glue it in place for extra stability. - Fill with birdseed.
Pour birdseed or a seed/grain mix into the bottom of the bottle, about halfway full. - Attach string to hang.
Poke two small holes near the top of the bottle and thread a piece of string or twine through. Tie it securely so you can hang it on a tree branch or hook. - Hang and enjoy!
Choose a spot that’s easy to view and safe from predators. Hang the feeder and watch your local birds stop by for a snack!
Why This Activity is So Valuable:
- Encourages Sustainability
This project is a great way to teach kids about reusing materials and reducing waste. Turning trash into something useful helps build eco-conscious habits from a young age. - Supports Wildlife
Bird feeders provide a consistent food source for local birds, especially in urban or garden spaces. - Builds Fine Motor Skills
Tasks like cutting, threading, and filling help children develop coordination and dexterity. - Encourages Responsibility
Kids can help keep the feeder clean and topped up, learning to care for animals and take on simple responsibilities.
Learning Ideas:
- Keep a bird journal to track which birds visit.
- Use binoculars to observe markings and behavior.
- Read books or watch short videos about bird types and ecosystems.
- Draw the birds you see and label them with fun facts.
Making a bird feeder out of a recycled plastic bottle is a great outdoors craft. Whether you’re in a classroom or at home, this activity blends hands-on fun with meaningful lessons in kindness, environmental care, and observation.
Bird Seed
For our bird seed I usually order a subscription from Amazon. I have attached the links below for you to see;
Helpful Links
You may find the following links helpful;
- More Craft Activities
- Spring Resources
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Nikki
