Written by Pavithra Murugan
Bird feeders are an excellent way to take care of the birds in our surroundings. This simple activity will inculcate in children, the habit of feeding the animal and bird species in their locality. It will also encourage children to learn about the different types of birds and the kind of food they eat, while providing an enjoyable, soothing and chirpy atmosphere.
Resources needed per student
Plastic bottle
Rope
Scissors
Pin (any sharp object to pierce holes in the plastic bottle)
Spoons (optional)
Food grains
Time Needed
30 minutes
Instructions for students
Step 0:
Find out the different types of grains that birds enjoy eating. Gather the grains and the other materials required for this activity.
Step 1:
Make an incision at the bottom to insert the stick on which the birds can stand.
Step 2:
Leave a good gap and pierce a hole for the grains at a point above the incision.
Step 3:
Pierce a small hole at the bottom, which will serve as the drain.
Step 4:
Pierce a hole at the top (neck of the bottle) to hang the feeder.
Step 5:
Pass a rope through the topmost hole to hang it.
Step 6:
Insert sticks through the bottommost hole for the birds to stand on.
Step 7:
Fill the bottle with grains.
Step 8:
The bird feeder is now ready! Optionally, you can also insert spoons through the feeding hole.
Step 9:
Hang it in a spot that's easily accessible for birds, and wait for them to come! 🐦
Instructions for Teachers
Explain bird migration
Explain that birds migrate periodically from one region to another in search of food and better nesting locations.
Impart knowledge about native birds
Encourage students to observe the birds that use the feeder and identify them. Ask them to differentiate between native birds and migratory birds, identify the bird calls, seasonal birds, etc.
Stress on the importance of bird feeders
Explain to students that feeders not only increase access to nutritious food for native birds, but serve as a source of food for migratory birds if feeders are present on the migratory path.
Explore other types of bird feeders
Motivate older students to explore the different types of feeders (using cardboard tubes, cardboard boxes, trays, etc.) and make different models. Students can also think about how to provide water through the feeder.
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!
#plastic #upcycling #environment