This week I have extended one day the presentation of our spring themel due to our little family vacations. I have brought you a simple explanation to make a bird feeder, so that if (future guests accept it) the children can observe the process live, and with good luck they may even nest within it. So the chicks would show their heads waiting for food, to dare to fly (after a few more weeks) not far from home.
I think that the observation of nature (as opposed to the urban environment to which children are usually accustomed) is very enriching, and helps them learn by experimenting. Inculcating our children respect for the environment is an indirect objective that we can achieve. Sparrows, green, blackbirds or coal are some of the small birds that come to live with humans in cities, in addition to pigeons or doves (which are not subject to different activities aimed at observation because they are much easier to see ). The swallows do not dare with very dense urban environments, and reasons are not lacking, but those who live in small towns are sure that you can enjoy their safe flight and the confidence they have in us.
Well, we will build our feeder, we will hang it in a quiet place visited by those who pretend to be guests (preferably in a tree) and wait patiently to accept our invitation. We can invite the friends of the children, take pictures, write down the observations ... and when the chicks have grown we can let it continue to serve as a house but ensuring that it does not become a residue when it deteriorates.
Materials we need:
- An empty and clean tetrabrik, acrylic paints, small box (approximately 8 x 8 cm) that fits smoothly at the base of the container, glue, medium string or dovecote, scissors and bird food.
How to do it:
After making sure there are no traces of the liquid that contained the tetrabrik, we will open a little door trimming three parts of a square from one centimeter from the base. It is enough to measure 10 cm. squares. We have to leave the tab because it will serve as an equilibrium point to enter.
Then we can decorate the birdhouse with acrylic paint and in natural colors so that it does not contrast too much with the environment (ocher, earth, leaf green, brown).
Later we will fix with glue the little box or basket to the bottom of the container, it will be the feeder. It must be located in a corner, so there will be room for the little birds, and of course we will fill it with birdseed.
When we go to hang it we will make four holes (two on each side) so that they are two centimeters from the edge. Now we will string two pieces of rope and leave the ends to tie them to the place where they will stay. Trees that are not very tall are preferable since food should be replaced, and away from dense and noisy areas.
Observation: We can leave the upper hole covered so that not much water enters when it rains.
Normally when we think of urban animals we do not pay attention to birds but they are important for the maintenance of ecosystems and control of insect pests. I know that sometimes they can become themselves a problem when they dirty monuments or their populations increase very quickly, but these facts are linked to our way of life, that is, the existence of these animals is not in itself harmful
I hope you enjoy this craft, and that it is useful for your children ... that the little birds accept or not the house you offer them is not insured, but I know that you will have a good time and that you will explain to your children many curiosities and stories about these animals.
