Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips on how to make pine cone bird feeders. These peanut butter pine cone bird feeders are a fun project to make this winter with the kids. Our feathered friends need our help finding food during the cold months. Insects are scarce and most berries are gone. Most importantly, pine cone bird feeders are guaranteed to attract backyard birds. So, let’s check out the instructions on how you can make them below.
Pine Cone Bird Feeders:
- Medium – large pine cone(s) with a strong top (Take a walk with your children and let them pick the pine cones)
- Peanut Butter (Store Brand or whatever you would like to use)
- 1/4 Cup Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Cracked Corn
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Dried Cranberries
- Peanuts Pieces
- 1/4 Chopped Dried Apples
- string/twine
- Cutting board or Cookie Sheet
- Freezer bag
Note: So, you can purchase bird seed already mixed if you don’t have individual ingredients listed above.
Step 1 – First, spread newspaper to work on if children are assisting.
Step 2 – Second, wrap a piece of string or twine around the bottom of the pine cone. You will be using the string to tie around a tree branch, so make sure the ends are long enough to tie around the branch. You can use twine or string. Just make sure it will hold up in inclement weather.
Step 3 – Also, use a plastic knife to spread the peanut butter over the pine cone. I use store brand creamy peanut butter for this project. However, whatever brand you select will be fine. Be sure to spread the peanut butter thickly onto the pine cone. Furthermore, you can use crunchy peanut butter in place of the chopped nuts. Get creative with your ingredients.
Step 4 – Next, chop the dried cranberries, peanut pieces, and dried apples in a chopper. As a result, I get small pieces that roll easily into the pinecone mixture. So, roll the pine cone in the seed/fruit mixture until covered. Also, you can also use a plastic spoon to help fill in the gaps by spooning the seed over the peanut butter on the pine cone. Use the spoon to push the seeds into the peanut butter if needed. (Beware, this can get messy with children).
Step 5 – Carefully, roll the spread the peanut butter covered pine cone into the seed and fruit mixture. I actually mix the seeds and the dried fruit and nuts together. (Do not put peanut butter at the top of the pine cone near the string). You don’t want the birds peaking at the string.
Step 6 – Next, place the pine cone(s) in a freezer bag and freeze until you’re ready to use this winter.
Step 7 – Last, hang the bird seed peanut butter pine cones in a place where you can watch the birds enjoy the treat. I love hanging them during snow storms or very cold weather.
I suggest that you keep plenty of peanut butter pine cones bird feeders on hand. Your backyard birds will love them, therefore, they will devour these delicious treats in a few days.
