We’ve got an awesome way to take your outdoor spaces to the next animal-helping level. For today’s Eco-Activity, we’re giving our feathered friends extra food with some wonderful winter decorations. These are a huge help in the winter when food sources may be scarce!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cut an orange in half and scoop out the pieces inside. Using just the peel, attach three or four strings through little holes in the side of the orange to create a hanging basket shape. Fill it with bird seed.

• Attach a loop of string to a pine cone and dip it in honey and cover it in bird seed. Then hang it by the loop.

• Thread air-popped popcorn (no salt or other toppings) onto string using a needle. Hang it like tinsel or garland. This one can be very pretty!

• Mix suet bird seed (nice and thick!), squish it into cookie cutters, and push the shapes out onto greaseproof paper. Partly unwind a paperclip and stick it in each shape to create a hole for hanging. Pop your shapes in the freezer to set. Once they’ve set, hang them on string. Voila, edible ornaments!

• Instead of composting, halve and hang up old fruit by attaching string – even if it is bruised or partly rotten! Apples, pears and other fruit will be appreciated by the birds and other backyard buddies!Instead of composting, halve and hang up old fruit by attaching string – even if it is bruised or partly rotten! Apples, pears and other fruit will be appreciated by the birds and other backyard buddies Instead of composting, halve and hang up old fruit by attaching string – even if it is bruised or partly rotten! Apples, pears and other fruit will be appreciated by the birds and other backyard buddies!

Have you ever heard the sound of birds chirping in the winter? We know many birds fly south when it gets colder, but some stay put. For today’s Eco-Activity, see if you can find some signs of these winter-loving birds! 

Instructions

Step 1: Make a chart like the one below so you can keep track of what you see and hear. It’s a good idea to leave some extra spaces so you can add any other signs of birds you see, like a nest. 

Step 2: Grab a pen, and head out into your local forest or nature area. Make sure to dress warmly (wool socks are a good idea)!  

Step 3: Make a note of how many times you hear a bird, see a bird, or see signs of a bird. Bonus points if you can identify what kind of bird you saw! 

Take some photos of your winter bird watching adventure and share them with us on social media!

The Earth Rangers App is where kids go to save animals! It’s free to join and you’ll have access to real-world Missions like this one. Plus, you can adopt an animal to support conservation projects, and learn all about animals in the Wild Wire Blog. Find activities like this, and so much more in the App!