🐦 Make a Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Here’s a simple outdoor activity inspired by Hazel & Scamp! Help feed neighborhood birds and learn how animals gather food in nature. An example of this is towards the end of Episode 3, which is all about getting outside and using your imagination.

🧺 What You’ll Need

1 large pine cone
Peanut butter (or sunbutter for nut-free option)
Bird seed
String or twine
A spoon or craft stick
A small plate or tray

Optional decorations: pieces of dried fruit, oats, sunflower seeds

🧭 Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pine Cone

Shake out loose pieces.
If it’s sticky or dirty, let it dry first — birds don’t mind bits of bark!

2. Tie the String

Wrap twine around the top of the pine cone.
Knot it tightly — this will be the hanger.

3. Spread the Peanut Butter

Use a spoon or craft stick to coat the pine cone.
Get into the cracks — like filling tiny snack pockets for birds!

🍯 Kids Tip: Warm the peanut butter a little to make spreading easier.

4. Roll in Bird Seed

Pour bird seed onto a plate.
Roll the peanut-butter pine cone until it’s covered.
Press gently so seeds stick well.

5. Hang Your Bird Feeder

Choose a tree branch where birds can reach safely.
Hang it outdoors and watch who comes to visit!

🔍 What Kids Learn

Nature Lesson	Why It Matters
Birds need food sources, especially in winter	Your feeder helps local wildlife survive
Seeds are food — and future plants	Many forests begin with a single dropped seed
Animals store food like squirrels do	Just like Hazel & Scamp gathering acorns!
Helping nature builds empathy	Kids learn to care for living creatures