In this activity, students build a bird feeder to attract common bird species to their homes.
Birds, like all animals, have specific needs for survival. In a city, birds may find water in puddles or in a pond. They may make their home out of a hole in a tree, or they may create a nest out of bits of hair or fabric they find in a yard.
Having a bird feeder to watch is a great way of bringing different bird species into your backyard. Creating a bird feeder might also help birds find food during times of year when finding food is difficult (such as winter).
Bird Safety Tip:
To help prevent injury or risk of collision, place birdfeeders and/or birdbaths less than a half metre (< 1.5’) or closer from your windows. Over this short distance, birds cannot build up enough momentum to injure themselves if they hit a window. The closer to your window, the better it is for the birds and your viewing.
Note: To prevent the spread of disease in birds like salmonellosis, refillable feeders should be thoroughly cleaned between refills.