Pine Cone Bird Feeders!

​Today's idea: Pine Cone Bird Feeders!
These may be better named Squirrel Feeders as often the squirrels manage to get to them first! Still, they are always fun to make! 

Materials:

• a nice fat, open pine cone 
• some nut butter (lard or cooking crisco can also be used if your child has nut allergies)
• bird seed 
• string

This is a messy project, perfect to do outdoors. 

1. First, go on a hunt in the woods (or your yard) for some nice fat, open pine cones. 
2. Next, tie a string to one end of the pine cone by weaving it around the cone. You'll want the string to be long enough so that later, you can hang it from a branch. 
3. Using a spoon, spread all sides of the pine cone with nut butter or lard Get it deep in between the scales. 
4. Pour some bird seed on a plate or other hard surface.
5. Now roll that pine cone in the seeds, around to around until well-coated.
6. Look for a branch you can see from the window of your house to hang up your pine cone!

We would love to hear who visits your Pine Cone Bird Feeder!