A pumpkin is used to make a hanging bird feeder. The pumpkin has been decorated with designs.

How to Feed the Birds: An Inexpensive & Easy Homeschool Lesson

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Hello and welcome to Cotswold Kitchen Mom. My name is Elizabeth and I am so happy you are here. This week on the blog, we will be learning how to feed the birds.

In order to learn this, the children and I are taking our homeschool classroom out into the great outdoors. Together, we will be making a beautiful pumpkin bird feeder from an old autumn pumpkin. Plus, a lovely pinecone bird feeder, and some fun birdseed ornaments.  

By using a few simple ingredients, we will create a lovely gift for our bird friends. If you are a homeschool educator, teacher, parent, or wild bird lover, then this is the place for you.

My Happy Hawks Homeschool crew and I would be delighted if you would join us for an exciting day of outdoor learning. Chanel your best bird calls, and your pumpkin carving skills, for this is sure to be a fun day of learning and laughter. 

Let’s plant a seed-a bird seed- of learning in a fertile, young mind.

How to feed the birds with a homemade pumpkin birdfeeder. This photograph captures through the pumpkin bird feeder through the tree branches.
*A pumpkin bird feeder with "a bird's eye view."
A hanging peanut butter pinecone is coated in birdseed and hung in a tree-hoping to entice some birds to stop by to eat.
*Pinecone bird feeder
A homemade hanging birdseed ornament looks pretty hanging on a branch.
*Birdseed ornaments

~Utilizing a Pumpkin to Create a Vessel to Feed the Birds~

After the autumn season has come and gone, I am often amazed at how long some pumpkins can last. This past October, I bought a lovely sage-green pumpkin. I loved its color and its scalloped, wobbly shape.

*To see how I first used my green pumpkin to decorate an indoor and an outdoor autumn table click here. Also, check out a second post where I used the same pumpkin to decorate our front porch. 

*Remember our green pumpkin friend? Yes, indeed this is the same pumpkin we decided to use to make our pumpkin birdfeeder.

~Resourcefulness- an Important Homeschool Lesson~

Shortly after all the leaves had fallen from the trees- and winter was on its way- I could not bear to part with my little green pumpkin. Happily, “he” stayed on my front porch, in a lonely corner, all winter long.

Being ever resourceful, I knew I could repurpose my pumpkin “friend” in some way. 

Cue the pumpkin bird feeder.

The old ,Autumn pumpkin is waiting to be transformed into a new bird feeder.
*Resourcefulness is an important skill to teach children.

~Our Bird Friend~

Let me take a moment here to introduce you to the cute creature who inspired this “How to feed the birds,” homeschool lesson.

“Picture this:” We have a bird friend who we have happily observed all winter long. On the coldest of mornings, he often comes to the top of our evergreen tree- lifts his tiny head to the heavens and turns his sweet face to the sun. After gathering warmth from the sun’s comforting rays, he then climbs to the underside of the tree- where he has a cozy nest.

(*Nature is a classroom.  I love teaching my children to take note of the wonderful world around them.)

~Where the Homeschool Lesson Began~

Armed with inspiration, an old autumn pumpkin, and a few basic supplies- I knew I could teach a fun lesson on feeding the birds. Here is how I combined the two:

~How to Feed the Birds: Prepare the Workspace~

Obviously, the pumpkin seeds and pumpkin flesh make a bit of a mess. Therefore, pre-wrapping your table with newspaper or parchment paper helps to keep some of the mess at bay.  

The pumpkin before it becomes the pumpkin bird feeder.

~Next, Plan the Pumpkin Bird Feeder Design~

There are many ways to make a pumpkin bird feeder. Some people like to slice the pumpkin in half, cut the lid off the pumpkin, or cut out a portion of the side of the pumpkin. Really there is not right or wrong here.

Personally, I wanted our birdfeeder to have a little protection from any rain that may visit our home. This was our process: 

~How to Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder (in Written Format) ~

  • First, I cut my pumpkin in half lengthwise.
  • Second, using a metal spoon, I scraped the seeds and inner “guts” out of each pumpkin half.
  • Third, I painted little designs on each pumpkin half (this is totally not necessary). *Note: If you do use paint, make sure it is nontoxic for the birds. Do not use any paint on the interior portion of the pumpkin… where the bird seed will rest.
  • Fourth, I used garden pliers to cut 8 wooden craft dowels (5-6 inches long).
  • Fifth, I pegged four of the wooden dowels upright (or vertically) into the alternating pumpkin sides. (This is on the bottom half of the pumpkin.) I used a mallet to gently push the dowels into the pumpkin. (But not deep enough to go through the other side of the pumpkin). The last four dowels go on the exterior sides of the pumpkin (horizontally). This is so that the bird can have a place to perch as it eats.
  • Sixth, I placed the top of my pumpkin back on the wooden skewers (creating the top lid). Gently using the mallet to push the pumpkin lid onto the wooden skewers.
  • Seventh, I simply filled the bottom of the pumpkin with birdseed.
  • Eighth, I cut two pieces of equal length twine (each about 2 feet long).
  • Ninth, I arranged the twine into an “x” shape… before placing the bottom of my pumpkin on the center of the “x.”
  • Tenth, balancing the pumpkin bird feeder, I carefully lifted and tied the strands of twine to a tree branch.

~How to Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder (in Photographic Format) ~

~Steps 1-2: Slicing and De-seeding the Pumpkin~

The autumn pumpkin is being cut in half to create each half of the pumpkin bird feeder.
*Being very careful to slice the pumpkin in half without cutting your fingers. You can draw a line around the pumpkin to keep your line straighter or you can freehand. (Which is what I did).
The interior of the pumpkin is waiting to be deseeded and turned into a pumpkin bird feeder.
*Despite its age, the pumpkin was still in remarkable condition. It smelled lovely- a cross between a cucumber and a watermelon. I suppose the cold weather helped to preserve it.
The pumpkin seeds are being removed to create a hollow cavity for the birdseed to fit into.
*Scoop out the pumpkin seeds and discard.
*Birdseed of your choosing and wooden dowels- (I bought both of these items from the Dollar General).

~Step 3: Painting the Exterior of the Pumpkin Feeder~

Optionally, to add beauty and interest, you can paint a whimsical design on the outside of the pumpkin. Just be sure to use nontoxic paint.

~Steps 4-7: Adding the Wooden Skewers and the Seed to the Pumpkin Feeder~

Wooden dowel craft sticks are cut to smaller links. These dowels will allow the pumpkin feeder to stack on itself while also allowing the birds a place to perch while eating their seeds.
*Garden sheers make cutting the wooden dowels a bit easier.
The pumpkin (for the bird feeder) is split in half and the seeds are removed.
*Push four vertical dowels into the alternating sides of the pumpkin. Using a mallet can be helpful. Just be sure not to push the dowels in too hard- lest they puncture the pumpkin walls.

~Steps 8-9: Adding the Hanging Twine to the Pumpkin Feeder~

An 'X" shape is formed with twine, and the pumpkin bird feeder is placed in the middle of this before hanging.
* "X" marks the spot. Place the bottom of the pumpkin on the "x." This way, the two stings of twine become 4.
Four pieces of twine are gathered and lifted in order to hang the pumpkin bird feeder from a tree.
*Gather the twine and gently lift upwards- making sure the "X" is centered... to create the best balance.
The pumpkin bird feeder is lifted with twine and is ready to be hung in a tree.

~Step 10: Hanging the Pumpkin Bird Feeder Outside~

Learning how to feed the birds is easy with this pumpkin bird feeder. The pumpkin bird feeder has been decorated and filled with bird seed. It has been hung in a tree by some thick twine.
*We decided to hang our pumpkin feeder from the tree where our bird friend has his nest.
The inside of the pumpkin bird feeder is filled with birdseed.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:26-

*Obviously, if you have some very hungry birds, you can continue to refill the pumpkin bird feeder with seeds. However, when the pumpkin becomes mushy or shows signs of rotting- it is time to remove the pumpkin feeder from the tree.

~Enter the Pinecone Bird Feeder Idea~

As previously alluded to, we have many birds that visit our home throughout the year. Most notably a large population of hawks. Afterall, these majestic creatures are where the name Happy Hawks Homeschool originated. 

Thinking of this reminded me of the perfect activity…

When I was in elementary school, I can vividly remember making a pinecone bird feeder. This was a very simple project that I enjoyed. 

Therefore, I decided to relive my childhood school days by making these pinecone bird feeders with my Hapy Hawks Homeschool crew.

~How to Feed the Birds by Making a Pinecone Bird Feeder~

To begin, my children and I started this project by using some pinecones that we had previously gathered from one of our regular nature walks. These were our simple steps:

  • Step One: Find the perfect pinecone.
  • Step Two: Use twine to tie a loop (for hanging) onto the top of the pinecone.
  • Step Three: Use a rubber spatula to smear natural peanut butter on the pinecone. (Just enough to make the birdseed stick).
  • Step Four: Roll and coat the peanut butter covered pinecone (in a bird seed of your choosing).
  • Step Five: Tie the pinecone bird feeder to a shady tree limb.
  • Step Six: Wait for the birds and observe their ways.
  • *(Note: If this is being done as a homeschool lesson- have the children journal their observations. If the child is too young to write, have them tell what they see through illustrations. Then, use the observations/illustrations as the foundation for a discussion on birds and the role they play in our world.) 
The peanut butter pinecones supplies are placed on a piece of parchment paper ready to make the hanging peanut butter pinecone.
*Pinecones, twine, and a spatula full of natural peanut butter- ready to assemble the pinecone bird feeder.
A pinecone is covered in a natural peanut butter before adding the birdseed coating.
*Sidenote: This is a messy DIY activity.
A homemade hanging peanut butter pinecone is coated in seeds and hung in a tree for birds to see.
*Note: the peanut butter will soften in the sun and in warm temperatures. This DIY pinecone bird feeder is best done in the winter months.

~How to Feed the Birds by Making Birdseed Ornaments~

We have fed the birds once, twice, and now thrice. 

Wanting to be extra generous to our beautiful bird friends, we also made some hanging birdseed ornaments with the remainder of our supplies. (Note: these ornaments look especially lovely hanging from a tree if you hang them in little groups.) 

Firstly, I should mention that these birdseed ornaments are meant for the wintertime. You see, coconut oil is the “glue” that holds the seeds together. However, when coconut oil is warm… it will change from a soft solid to a liquid. Therefore, direct sunlight and high temperatures will melt these adorable birdseed ornaments.

*In our experience, the star cookie cutter produced the best results. Some of the other shapes were harder to remove. A silicon mold could be used which potentially would make demolding the ornaments a touch easier. The last thing to mention is to be sure to give ample time for the ornaments to chill. If you remove the ornaments too soon, they will not hold their shape.

A mixing bowl is filled with wild bird seed ready to make hanging birdseed ornaments.
*It felt strange having birdseed in the mixing bowl. I had to remind my youngest child this was not for eating.
The hanging birdseed ornaments have been filled into cookie cutter molds and are ready to chill in the refrigerator before hanging.
*Cookie cutters are filled with the birdseed and coconut oil mix and then firmly pressed. Make sure to give ample time to harden or they will not come out of the molds.

~The Birdseed Ornament Recipe: ~

A homemade hanging birdseed ornament looks pretty hanging on a branch.
Print

Birdseed Ornaments

These easy birdseed ornaments are perfect to attract, and feed, wintertime birds in cool climates. The coconut oil and the seeds offer good fats and nourishment for many birds in the cold winter months.
Prep Time8 hours
Active Time5 minutes
Course: Non-edible
Keyword: Hanging Birdseed Ornaments
Yield: 7 ornaments
Author: Elizabeth

Materials

  • 2 cups Birdseed Mix *I used a seed, fruit, and nut mix but you could use any kind you prefer.
  • 1/2-3/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted or room temperature) *I used organic.

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add two cups of birdseed to a medium mixing bowl.
  • Slowly melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl.
  • Add the melted coconut oil to the birdseed. Mix until all the seeds are coated in the coconut oil.
  • Place cookie cutters on your lined baking sheet (silicone molds can also be used for easy removal).
  • Press the birdseed mixture firmly into each cookie cutter shape. Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to push a hole through the top of the ornament. (This is for the string to go through for later hanging).
  • Allow the ornaments to chill in the refrigerator- until the coconut oil has hardened- and the birdseed ornaments are able to hold their shape. (This will take around 8 hours to completely set.)
  • Carefully push the bottom of the molds out… until the birdseed ornament has been released. Thread a bit of yard or twine through your precut hole. Hang on a shady spot- on your favorite tree- and watch the birds come for a snack.

Notes

*If the seed mixture is too crumbly and will not hold its shape, add more coconut oil.
*The coconut oil does become liquid in warm temperatures. On a warm day or in direct sunlight you may see your ornament begin to melt because of the temperature change. 
*You can also place a little plate of water nearby so the birds can have a drink of water while they visit as well.
A close up of a star shaped hanging birdseed ornament. Twine is used to create a hanging look.
*The white color you can see is the hardened coconut oil.
Two hanging birdseed ornaments, a hanging peanut butter pinecone and a pumpkin bird feeder hanging in a small tree.

~A Word on Outdoor Classrooms~

Outdoor classrooms have no enclosed box walls…just open spaces and fresh air.  Even as a home economics teacher- I often took my high school students outside for a lesson- when the content and time allowed.

Certainly, mundane tasks such as copying a recipe can become a beautiful chore when the sun is shining on your face. For, being outside while learning is such a tactile experience. The sun on your face, a cool breeze through your hair, the fresh aroma of nature, and the soft sounds of the birds create an interactive learning experience.

How about you. Do you utilize the great outdoors in your homeschool lessons? I would love to hear from you.

A garden spot with a bench. The perfect place to have school outdoors and a cup of tea.

~Final Thoughts~

Some may say, “It’s for the birds.” Others might say, “Feed the birds.” I say appreciate the little beautiful creatures of the air and land. Birds bring much joy with their beautiful songs and graceful gliding. If I can teach my children to appreciate the small creatures God has made, then they may see how great their own value is.

We had a wonderful time learning how to feed the birds by making our pumpkin bird feeder, our pinecone bird feeder, and our birdseed ornaments. 

Learning can be so simple. Appreciating nature can create memories that last a lifetime.

If you make any of these bird feeders, I hope they provide a simple joy to you and your life.

I will sign off by encouraging you to step outside, breath in a deep lungful of fresh air, lift your head to the heavens, and be thankful.

For more inspirations and ideas, check out my Cotswold Kitchen Mom Facebook and Pinterest pages. Also, subscribe to my blog so you do not miss a single post.

Tune back in next Friday for something new! Until then, check out my last week’s post on my  resourceful Valentine’s wreaths.

~Elizabeth~

A heart in the sunshine that says the word "Cherish". A reminder for me as a mom to cherish each moment I have with my precious children.
*A heart from England, resting in the sun. A gentle reminder to cherish each moment I am given with my precious children. For time with them is never wasted.

2 thoughts on “How to Feed the Birds: An Inexpensive & Easy Homeschool Lesson”

  1. Marie

    Loved the inspiration Elizabeth. I have tried similar ideas but not with coconut oil. It would stay solid in the winter but not in the summer heat! 🤣 The birds need it more in the winter.

    Reply
    1. Elizabeth

      Yes, the coconut oil and peanut butter are certainly for the winter. The birds have enjoyed the pumpkin feeder, and we have enjoyed watching the birds. I am currently trying to capture a photo of the birds on the pumpkin feeder… but of course, they keep flying away when I get a chance. 😉

      Reply

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