Heart-Shaped Bird Feeders

The children in my care loved making pinecone bird feeders so much this winter that I couldn’t resist finding a heart-shaped bird feeder activity to pair their love of feeding local birds with Valentine’s Day. I discovered this sweet idea on The Purposeful You web site, and it was a perfect fit.

Watching winter birds enjoy something the children created adds excitement and a wonderful sense of pride, making this activity both meaningful and memorable. Be sure to allow the heart-shaped bird feeders to dry overnight before hanging them on a tree, then sit back and enjoy watching the birds savor their special treat.

You Will Need:

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula or mixing spoon
Measuring cups/spoons
Heart-shaped cookie cutter
Nonstick cooking spray
Parchment paper
Baking sheets
Metal straw
Twine
Scissors

Bird Food Mixture

4 cups birdseed
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
3 tbsp coconut oil or lard

What to Do:

1. Add water and coconut oil or lard to a bowl and whisk together.
2. Add gelatin to the bowl and mix again.
3. Gradually add flour to the bowl while mixing.
4. Add birdseed to the bowl and mix well with your spatula or spoon. Then, knead mixture with your hands.
5. Spray the inside of your cookie cutter with nonstick spray.
6. Place the cookie cutter onto parchment-lined cookie sheet. Spoon mixture into the cookie cutter and press firmly as you go.
7. While the cookie cutter is still around the mixture, use a metal straw to poke a hole at the top of the heart.
8. Carefully remove the cookie cutter. Let the birdseed hearts dry overnight.
9. Cut a piece of twine, loop through the hole, and tie at the top.
10. Hang outside!

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Reference:

Bird Feeder Idea from The Purposeful You web site.
Photo by Stephanie Felzenberg