How to: Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder

Birds search for seeds, berries, and other foods all winter long. By February, pickings are slim, and feathered foragers have a tough time finding enough to eat. Help out by making a bird feeder. You’ll need pine cones, yarn, peanut butter, and bird seed.

1. Gather a bunch of pine cones. Tie yarn or twine around the top of each one.
2. Use a butter knife or Popsicle stick to cover the cones with peanut butter. Fill all the little spaces.
3. Pour birdseed into a small tub or cake pan. Roll the cones through the seed. Press firmly so plenty of seed sticks to the peanut butter. Keep rolling until each pine cone is completely covered.
4. Tie your pine cones to sturdy branches where you can keep an eye on them. In no time, hungry birds will arrive for a feast! When your pine cones are picked clean, reuse them to make new bird feeders. 

To learn more about backyard birds and what to feed them, visit on.mo.gov/1lw0f4L.