Create a tasty treat for your local birds using a natural pine cone! You'll learn how to attract wildlife to your yard and provide them with high-energy food.

Tools

• butter knife or small plastic spreader

Materials

• large pine cones (1-2)
• creamy peanut butter or lard-based substitute (1/2 cup)
• bird seed (1 cup)
• yarn or twine (2 feet per pine cone)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when handling food and materials.
• Check for peanut allergies before starting; use lard or sunflower butter as an alternative.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pine cones and peanut butter.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Do not wrap string around neck or limbs.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Find a sturdy, open pine cone and shake out any loose dirt or debris.
2. Cut a piece of yarn (about 2 feet long) and tie it securely around the top scales of the pine cone so you have a loop for hanging.
3. Using the butter knife or spreader, scoop up a small amount of peanut butter.
4. Spread the peanut butter into the crevices and gaps between the scales of the pine cone, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.
5. Pour the bird seed into a shallow pan or bowl.
6. Roll the peanut-butter-covered pine cone in the bird seed, pressing gently so the seeds stick to the peanut butter.
7. Shake off any excess seeds that didn't stick.
8. Find a sturdy tree branch or hook outside and hang your bird feeder using the yarn loop.