Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Turn your backyard into a bird-spotting hotspot. If you make a pine cone bird feeder, the winged creatures will be visiting a whole lot more often. 
What you need:
Pine cones
Birdseed
Smooth peanut butter (in cool weather)
Oats, chopped peanuts, cornmeal (for warm weather)
Paper plate, aluminum foil or newspapers
Yarn, string or fishing line for hanging
Scissors
Go on a nature walk – either through your neighborhood, or to a nearby nature preserve or park. Pick up the largest pine cones you can find. (You can always buy pine cones at a craft store, but then you lose the fun of the hunt!) Choose one sturdy and nice-sized pine cone for each feeder you plan to make.  Tie a loop of yarn, string or fishing line around the top section of pine cone to hang the feeder later. (Make sure you do this step first – not after you have a gooey-birdseed pinecone!)
You have choices for covering your pine cone: Spread peanut butter all over it; or mix together some oats, chopped peanuts and cornmeal with water – just enough until it sticks together well enough to spread. A little honey can be missed with either spread – if you choose. Note: You can use peanut butter throughout the year, but birds need more food and fat in colder months – and peanut butter doesn’t spoil as quickly in mild weather. So, cover the pine cone with either spread, then roll it through birdseed that you have sprinkled generously on a paper plate (or piece of foil or newspaper). Cover thoroughly with birdseed. (To help ensure you have a popular bird feeder, choose bird a birdseed that does not have red millet in its blend, but does contain safflower and sunflower). Take the finished feeder(s) and hang from your favorite tree. Enjoy watching the birds flock to their new treat!