Getting the kids invoved in transforming your outdoor space could attract dozens of beautiful, fascinating birds to your backyard. With a few simple DIY bird feeding, housing and water projects, you can create a flourishing bird-friendly paradise right outside your door.
Picture waking up to a lively chorus of chirps and songs, watching species like cardinals, sparrows, and finches flock to feeders and baths you crafted. Your yard can become a nurturing oasis for native birds to rest, nest, and thrive.
The best part is, you and your family can build this special sanctuary together. Kids will love rolling up their sleeves and getting creative to help neighborhood birds.
They’ll gain valuable hands-on learning about bird species, needs, and behaviors while having fun! Later, they will appreciate it even more as they watch the avian action from their cosy kids’ birdwatching station.
In this guide, we’ll share our favorite do-it-yourself bird project ideas to engage kids’ imagination. In a short time, and by adding bird-friendly plants, you can transform your yard into a welcoming haven for beautiful birds. Let’s get started making DIY bird feeders, houses, and baths as a family!
DIY Bird Feeders for kids to make
Pinecone Feeder
Pinecone feeders are a great hands-on project for little ones. Collect pinecones in your yard or neighborhood together. Have kids spread peanut butter, suet, or other bird-safe adhesive on the pinecone, then roll it in birdseed. Hang these natural, biodegradable feeders from tree branches and wait for bright feathers to flock in!
You’ll be delighted seeing vibrant cardinals, sparrows, chickadees, and more clinging to the pinecones. Hear the lively chirping and fluttering as they peck away at the seeds. The pinecones make striking visual elements too, weathering naturally as birds visit.
Recycled Container Feeders
Upcycling recyclables into bird feeders is an eco-friendly activity. Let kids unleash their creativity picking fun containers like milk jugs, juice bottles, cartons, or cans. Clean thoroughly before creating a few small openings. Add sticks or dowels as perches, then fill with birdseed blends and hang with ribbon or string.
Spotting birds munch on treats from repurposed household items is extra satisfying. Try using carriers with bright colors and patterns to make the feeders visually pop. Container feeders are easy to remake each season too for an ever-changing backyard scene.
DIY Bird Houses
Crafting customized birdhouses is a fun collaborative project for the whole family. Have kids participate in aspects like painting, decorating, and assembling while adults handle more complex construction steps.
Tailor birdhouses to suit species in your area, using guides for appropriate dimensions and hole sizes. Try making different houses together like classic wood bluebird boxes, decorative wren abodes, or whimsical fairy-style cottages.
How can I involve my child in siting and monitoring bird houses/boxes?
Get kids actively engaged in the full process of installing and observing bird houses. Have them help you scout out potential locations in the yard by looking for sites that meet birds’ needs.
Teach them what to look for, like elevated areas away from predators with suitable tree limbs for mounting. Let them use child-safe tools to measure and hammer together bird house kits while you supervise.
Once the houses are up, make regular observations a fun family activity. Bring along a bird identification guide and binoculars for kids to spot visiting species.
Encourage them to track activity in a nature journal, recording bird behaviors, nesting patterns, and number of eggs/fledglings. Assign them the duty of being “bird house monitor” each week to check conditions and report back on the feathered families.
Involving kids in the full process from siting to surveillance gives them meaningful hands-on learning.
What are the right dimensions and hole sizes for different bird house designs?
It’s important to tailor birdhouses to the desired species by using the appropriate dimensions and entry hole sizes. Research the specific requirements for the types of birds you want to attract.
For instance, bluebirds need a floor space around 5×5 inches with an entry hole 1.5 inches wide to allow adults in while keeping predators out. Chickadees and titmice prefer a smaller 4×4 inch floor and 1 inch opening.
Wood duck boxes should be larger, around 10×18 inches inside, with an oval 4×3 inch opening placed higher up.
Wren houses can have even tinier 1 inch by 1 inch openings. Installation matters too, placing small songbird houses 5-10 feet up and larger wood duck boxes at least 3-4 feet off the ground. Following specific size guidelines will encourage your target species to move in.
Various Birdhouse Designs
See if your local hardware store offers pre-cut birdhouse kits to make the process easier for beginners. Let every family member add their own creative touch with paint colors, ornamental accents, and other embellishments. Place completed birdhouses up high to keep fledglings safe. Then watch excitedly as feathered families move into their new bespoke backyard homes!
How to Build a Basic Birdhouse
Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to building a birdhouse:
Supplies
– 1×6 inch unfinished pine wood planks
– Wood glue
– Hammer and nails (or screws)
– Saw
– Drill with 1-1.5 inch bit
– Paint/stain (optional)
Steps
1. Cut wood to size needed for bird species. For bluebirds, for example:
– Front/back: 5×7 inches
– Sides: 5×5 inches
– Bottom: 5×5 inches
– Roof: 5×7 inches
2. Drill 1-1.5 inch entry hole 4-5 inches up on front.
3. Glue and nail sides and back to bottom piece.
4. Attach front piece with small gaps on sides.
5. Glue and nail slanted roof on top.
6. Sand, then paint/stain if desired.
7. Add hanger, mount onto pole/tree.
8. Welcome birds to their new home!
This hands-on activity allows all ages to collaborate meaningfully together. Kids will learn about helping neighborhood birds while honing artistic skills on their very own custom birdhouses.
DIY Birdbaths
Upcycled Birdbath Instructions
Installing homemade birdbaths is a satisfying way to provide water for visiting birds. Upcycle items like tires, trash bins, or pots by cleaning thoroughly and adding a shallow water basin.
Help kids decorate the birdbaths with paint or mosaic tiles, then add some smooth rocks for perching. Position birdbaths in open sites with good landing spots and sightlines for birds. Soon you’ll hear gentle splashing and see a rotating cast of species enjoying a rejuvenating dip!
How to Make a DIY Birdbath
Here is a step-by-step guide for making a simple birdbath:
Supplies Needed
– Large wide bowl, bin, or bucket
– Concrete mix
– Gravel or pebbles
– Mold (optional)
– Sealant (non-toxic)
1. Choose a container to use as the bath mold. Avoid using very deep containers to keep water shallow.
2. Mix concrete according to package directions. For extra stability, add some gravel or pebbles.
3. Pour concrete mix into the container mold about 2 inches thick. Smooth the surface.
4. Insert a rock or brick in center (optional) to use as a perch ledge later.
5. Allow concrete to fully dry and cure for at least 2-3 days.
6. Once hardened, remove container mold if used.
7. Seal concrete with non-toxic sealant and let dry again.
8. Add an inch of pebbles or rocks to the bottom.
9. Add fresh water and place birdbath in an open site.
10. Refresh water at least every few days and clean regularly.
11. Enjoy watching birds play and bathe!
Cleaning/Maintenance Tips for bird baths (kids’ duties!)
Get kids involved in birdbath care by assigning them “birdbath duty” on a weekly rotation. Have them gently scrub away algae buildup and replenish fresh, clean water. Rinse any leaves or debris from the basin frequently.
Educate them on how proper hygiene is crucial so visiting birds don’t spread diseases. Making birdbath maintenance an engaging routine activity teaches responsibility too. With your oversight, kids will take pride in ensuring safe, healthy water sources all season long.
Taking Flight: Next Steps for a bird-friendly backyard
Now that you’re inspired to welcome neighborhood birds by creating DIY feeders, houses, and birdbaths, here are some recommended next steps and future ideas to turn this passion into action:
For Adults
– Audit what materials you already have available to upcycle into bird DIY projects. Old milk jugs, unused planters, and scrap wood can become inventive bird feeders or baths.
– Research the proper dimensions and entry holes needed to attract your desired local species before building houses. Proper birdhouse design ensures safe, comfortable abodes.
– Make a date for a birdhouse building session with the family. Stock up on any additional needed supplies and print our how-to guides for reference.
For Kids
– Make a wishlist of funky containers from around the house to upcycle into quirky personalized feeders. Milk cartons, tennis ball canisters, or plastic bottles are fun finds.
– Browse field guides and bird websites together to learn your local species. Try sketching and naming common visitors to stoke curiosity.
– Encourage kids to design and draw custom dream birdhouses. Let their creativity soar imagining fun themes.
Ongoing Opportunities
– Organize an annual birdhouse building/installation event in your community. Make it a festive tradition.
– Volunteer with local conservation organizations to install DIY bird houses and feeders in parks and green spaces.
– Share the joy on social media or neighborhood newsletters by posting photos of your family’s avian DIY creations and the many feathered friends attracted to them!
DIY bird feeders, houses, and baths – final thoughts
Creating DIY bird feeders, houses, and baths as a family provides immense rewards for your backyard birds, children, and gardens. Kids learn first-hand about nature and conservation while sparking their creativity.
Birds gain critical nourishment and shelter to raise happy, healthy families. Your yard transforms into a vibrant sanctuary that benefits the whole neighborhood ecosystem.
The sight of a vibrant, joyful bird community visiting your handcrafted feeders and homes is priceless. This special habitat becomes a space for wonder, education, and quality time creating memories together.
We hope these how-to guides have inspired you to create a nurturing bird paradise that your whole family will treasure. Let your creativity and conservation take flight!
What will be your next family birding project? You make wish to consider some of these ideas on creating a birdwatching station for kids or trying outdoor art activities inspired by birds.