But what do the birds in my backyard enjoy the most?  The birds that most frequent our area include cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, various woodpeckers, titmice, grosbeaks, finches, sparrows, doves, nuthatches, bluebirds and juncos.  Do all birds eat the same?  No!  The strength of the bird’s beak will help to determine what might be on their menu.

Favorite bird seeds include black sunflower seeds which packs a lot of energy for a large number of birds with strong beaks (cardinals, chickadees, titanic); thistle seed (a finch favorite); millet (ground feeding birds); nectar; peanuts (a bluejay’s favorite) and fruit and berries, all provide a special treat for many types of birds.

Mini frozen bird feeders are a way to help care for our feathery friends and our environment as well as provide a fun “kid size” activity.

Mini Frozen Birdfeeder Supplies:

• Muffin Tin, Single Serve Empty Yogurt Containers, Small Bowls or Large Ice Cube Trays

• Bird Seed (1-2 cups)

• Water (1-2 cups)

• Cotton Twine

• Scissors

• Liquid Measuring Cup

• Fruits (berries, oranges) or Unsalted Peanuts

Begin preparing the mini frozen bird feeders by filling the muffin tin, large ice cube trays or individual yogurt containers ¾ of the way full of birdseed, peanuts and or fruits.  Then fill the container with water up to almost the rim.  Cut and place a 7-9-inch piece of twine creating a loop.  Push the cut ends deep into the bird feeder container to the bottom.  Doing this with the twine will prevent the twine from falling out when hung.

Place the containers into the freezer for 2-4 hours and then remove from containers when you are ready to hang the frozen bird treat outside.  Once the temps fall below freezing outside your Growing Sprout and yourself will hang up your mini frozen bird feeders outside on tree limbs or shepherd hooks.  Let the bird watching begin and observe what birds are visiting your neighborhood.       

Photo Credit: Flickr.com (1), pixnio.com (2), raxpixel.com (3)