Spring Bird Crafts, Activities and Printables

The first day of spring was March 20th. The birds have returned to my backyard and are busy making their nests and having their noisy bird meetings in the trees. It's such a wonderful and welcome sound! With that in mind, I thought I would share some fun crafts and recipes to celebrate the return of the birds:

Easy Bird Treats
by Amanda Formaro

This fun craft provides lengthy gratification as children watch the birds eat their yummy treats. Put these easy treat hangers together in no time and hang them outside for the birds to enjoy.

Important Note: Please read our notes at the end of this craft that debunk the myths about peanut butter being harmful to birds.

What You Need

1 slice of sandwich bread for each hanger
cookie cutter or paring knife
yarn or other strong piece of string or cord
peanut butter or vegetable shortening
Wild bird seed

What you do

Use a cookie cutter to create shapes from slices of sandwich bread. We did stars and circles for our treats.

Let bread sit on the counter until dried out, a couple of hours should do the trick.

Line a plate with bird seed.

Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to poke a hole through the bread for the string. Be sure that you leave enough room above the hole so that it doesn't tear.

Thread string through the hole and gently tie in a knot.

Spread both sides of bread shape with peanut butter. Coat with bird seed by laying it on the bird seed lined plate and turning over to coat thoroughly.

Hang your creation outside.

Editor's note: Try to hang your treats in close proximity to a branch that the birds can perch on while sampling their goodies.

Important Editor's Note: For many years FamilyCorner.com has offered crafts and activities for children, some of them involving wildlife. In this particular case we are suggesting that you use peanut butter and bird seed to feed backyard birds. We are very aware of the myths that have made their travels around the internet, so we checked in with several bird experts to find out the real truth and debunk the myths once and for all.

Some of these myths include birds choking on wads of peanut butter, salt and sweeteners in peanut butter being harmful, as well as birds becoming dependent on home bird feeders as their food source. Peanut butter is safe for birds and we encourage you to read this article.

What's Related:
Grow Your Own Birdhouses
Bird Watching Tips
Feeding Station For Birds
Bird & Caterpillar Crafts
Egg Carton Ladybugs
Bird Coloring Page

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St. Patrick's Day crafts, recipes and more

St. Patrick's Day is less than a week away! FamilyCorner.com has plenty of fun crafts, free printables, tasty kid's recipes and delicious recipes for you to celebrate with. Try some of these!

Rainbow & Shamrock Cookies:
This St. Patrick's Day, decorate and dress up some plain old sugar cookies to be the life of the party... heck, why make make THEM the party? Get your kids together to decorate, giggle, and have a good time!

Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Dessert:
This minty dessert is the perfect way to top off your St. Patrick's Day dinner. Your little Leprechauns are sure to make it disappear. Not just for St. Patty's, make this yummy treat anytime!

St. Patrick's Day Cookie Pops:
If you are looking for a fun and easy recipe to do with the kids, try these deliciously simple St. Patrick's Day Cookie Pops. Easy ingredients and lots of fun. The kids will love making these colorful treats.

Leprechaun Hat Cake:
Having a St. Patrick's Day party and need a fun and super easy cake recipe? You don't have to be a professional cake decorator to make this little gem. Watch for the leprechaun, he may come looking for his hat!

Shamrock Ice Cream Sandwiches:
A perfect way to end your St. Patrick's Day meal is with these scrumptuous ice cream sandwiches. These Shamrock shaped treats are sure to please all of the little Lads and Lassies at your St. Patrick's Day table!

Puffy Shamrocks:
This adorable craft is perfect for passing the time on a rainy Spring day. This project is great for even the young set and is captivating enough to keep their attention.

Shamrock Greeting Card:
Get started now and make this charming shamrock card to send to someone that is dear to you. Spread a little Irish luck this green holiday and send one today.

Pom Pom Shamrock:
If you are on the look out for an easy St. Patrick's Day craft to do with your daycare, class room, neighborhood kids, or just with your own little ones, this is a keeper.

Foam Shamrocks:
Foam shapes are so fun to use and really easy for little ones to manipulate. St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching so plan some of these cute projects to celebrate!

Welcome Shamrock:
Need something fun and festive to adorn your front door as St. Patrick's Day approaches? Try this super easy project that can be tailored to your own tastes.

Salt Dough Rainbows & Shamrocks:
Add a bit of Irish fun to your decor by making these salt dough Shamrocks and Rainbows Magnets. Easily turn the small shamrocks into pins for great Irish flare!

See the entire collection of St. Patrick's Day ideas by clicking here