Celebrate National Bird Day With Birdhouse Building
January 5th was National Bird Day, but any day is a good day to have fun and learn about our feathery friends. There is so much you and your child can do when it comes to celebrating birds. In addition to bird-watching and studying avians, you can build a birdhouse! Orange County Catholic schools has a guide to crafts your child can make for his bird friends!
Milk Carton
Recycling milk cartons to make birdhouses and bird feeders are a fun way to give back to the species. Perfect for children of all ages, this DIY project is simple and easy — and birds love them!
What You’ll Need:
Clean milk carton
Recycled cardboard
Glue
White paint
Foam paint brush
Wooden spoon
Tissue paper squares in various colors
X-Acto knife
Mod podge
Directions:
Start by painting the carton with white paint. Spray paint is a quick and inexpensive way to coat the container.
Coat the sides of the carton with glue, and apply the tissue paper any way your child desires. This is a great opportunity for your child to be creative and use their imagination.
Gently brush the squares with the sponge brush to make sure the pieces are flat and secure.
Let dry.
For the roof, fold a piece of cardboard hamburger style. Cover with glue and tissue paper, then set aside to dry.
Use the X-Acto knife (adults only) to remove any excess paper or cardboard.
Cut an opening for the door. For a bird feeder, cut a rectangular opening.
Use the knife to cut two small slits in an “x” shape, then insert the wooden spoon to make your perch.
Add glue to securely attach the end of the spoon to the back of the carton.
On the roof, cut two small slits about two inches apart and thread twine through.
Glue the roof to the top of the carton.
After a couple of coats of Mod Podge, you’re good to hang these up outside!
Foil Pan
This project is quick and simply needs a few supplies! All you need is an aluminum foil loaf cake pan and two wire coat hangers. Punch four holes at the ends of each side of the cake pan. Remove the bottom bars of the hangers. Leave one inch at the end of each hanger to create a hook. Place the feeder on the hooks and bend them to fasten. Fill up the feeder bird food, and hang it on a tree branch!
Gourds
Believe it or not, you can make a bird feeder out of a gourd! Start by removing the outer skin of the gourd by soaking it in water for a few hours. Then rub with sandpaper or rough pot cleaner, removing all the rough spots. Cut a hole in the large portion of the gourd and clean it out. Have your child paint with enamel. When he’s done, apply two coats of shellac. Finally, it can be wired to a tree!
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