DIY Pine Cone Bird Feeder: How to Make a Natural & Easy Treat

Attracting birds to your backyard not only adds a touch of nature to your landscape but also helps control pests. A pine cone bird feeder is an eco-friendly, easy, and affordable way to welcome these charming creatures. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create one.

Before we dive in, let's understand why pine cone bird feeders work. Pine cones are natural bird feeders, as they provide seeds that many birds, like chickadees, finches, and pine siskins, love. They're also lightweight, allowing birds to perch on them effortlessly.

Gathering Materials

Assembling a pine cone bird feeder requires minimal materials that you might already have at home. Here's what you'll need:

• Pine cones (freshly picked work best)
• Birdseed
• Coconut oil
• String or twine
• Scissors
• Muffin tin (optional, for coating the pine cones)

Choosing Your Pine Cones

Selecting the right pine cones is crucial. Freshly fallen ones are ideal as their scales are still tightly shut, holding the seeds inside. Avoid picking up old, dry pine cones, as their seeds have likely already been eaten or blown away.

Pro Tip: If you're having trouble finding fresh pine cones, ask local nurseries or look for them in neighborhood parks.

Preparing the Birdseed

For a well-rounded diet, opt for a mix of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds. You can also try adding fruits like berries or sliced apples, although these might attract more pests.

Remember that different birds prefer different types of seeds. For instance, finches favor smaller seeds, while jays and crows prefer larger ones.

Assembling Your Feeder

Now that you have all the necessary materials let's assemble your pine cone bird feeder. This process involves two main steps: coating the pine cones with oil and filling them with birdseed.

Coating the Pine Cones

Melting coconut oil and applying it to the pine cones helps hold the birdseed in place and adds a touch of extra nutrition for the birds.

Melt the coconut oil in a small pot over low heat. Once liquid, dip each pine cone into the oil, ensuring every scale is well-coated. Place the coated pine cone into a muffin tin to catch any excess oil.

Filling with Birdseed

After coating, fill the pine cones with birdseed. Make sure each scale is packed with seeds. You can use your fingers or a spoon to push the seeds into any empty spaces.

Once all pine cones are filled, secure a string around the base of each cone. This will allow you to hang them from tree branches or your bird feeding station.

Now, let your pine cone bird feeders dry completely before hanging them. This step is crucial to prevent the birdseed from getting moldy from any remaining moisture.

Hanging Your Feeders

Position your feeders in a place that's accessible to birds but also safe from predators. Trees with dense foliage work well, providing cover for the birds while they feed.

Birds typically prefer feeding areas that are 10-30 feet away from shrubs or trees where they can perch and scan for danger. However, some birds might still appreciate a closer perch, so consider hanging your feeders about 5 feet away from cover as well.

Monitoring and Maintaining

Keep an eye on your pine cone bird feeders regularly to ensure they're still filled with birdseed. Refill them as needed, and remove any that become moldy or empty.

During harsh winters, you might need to provide some additional protection for your pine cones. Try enclosing them in a small plastic bag or wrapping them in vegetable netting to keep the seeds from getting wet.

Creating and maintaining pine cone bird feeders can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with nature and attract a variety of birds to your backyard. So go ahead, gather your materials, and start crafting your own natural, sustainable bird feeder today!