How to Make Pinecone Birdfeeders

How to Make Pinecone Birdfeeders - Fun, Easy Fall Activity!

Pinecone birdfeeders are an easy activity that is a staple of fall fun! These are usually geared towards kids but can be used for any age. It’s a pretty cost-effective activity too since it uses components that most people have around their house.

What you’ll need:

• Pine cones (the wide, unfolded ones)
• Twine/string (if you want to hang them) or outdoor bowl (if you don’t want to hang them)
• Peanut butter
• Birdseed (poured into a bowl)
• Cookie sheet or old newspaper

Step 1: Go on a nature walk to forage for pinecones! You can easily buy these at any craft store as well, but it’s much more budget- and time-friendly (and fun!) to find some lying around on the ground.

Step 2: Lay down the cookie sheet or old newspaper to cover your work surface, as this could get messy.

Step 3: Cut about a 10” piece of twine or string (if you’ll be hanging the feeders) and tie it to the top of the pine cone -- a slipknot might be easiest.

Step 4: Scoop about a tablespoon of peanut butter. You can apply this to the pinecone by plopping the peanut butter on your cookie sheet or newspaper and rolling the pine cone around in it, or put it on a paper towel and use that to spread it onto the pine cone. If you’re okay with the mess, you can also use your fingers to apply the peanut butter. Whatever method you use, make sure each pine cone scale has some peanut butter on it.

Step 5: Once you’re happy with the amount of peanut butter, pick up the pine cone and roll it around in the bowl of birdseed.

Step 6: Hang the pine cone birdfeeders on tree branches where everyone in the house can see them! Or, if you don’t want to hang them, you can put them in a weather-safe bowl and place them on an outdoor table or patio.

Now, watch the birds enjoy their new food sources for all-age enjoyment!