Autumn in Ohio is always spectacular. We are surrounded by an abundance of changing colors and the crisp autumn air. Autumn is a great opportunity to explore nature. We often think of nature walks, changing leaves, pumpkin patches and apple picking in the fall… but did you know fall is still an important season for our local pollinators?
This weekend we are taking some of our orchard apples, and exploring local birds. We are making apple bird feeders so we can bring nature right to our window! During the week, we’ll be learning about all the different birds that stop by. This apple bird feeder is so simple for a quick family activity.
What you’ll need
Apples with the core removed
Peanut butter/ Sunflower butter (any is fine- chucky seems to be a bird favorite at our house)
Birdseed- sunflower seeds, cracked corn, white millet, mixed variety (whatever you have available)
String/ ribbon to hang your feeder
Directions
Remove the core from your apple
Slice your apple into rings
Tie string/ ribbon through the center of the apple for hanging
Spread a generous amount of peanut butter in the center of the apple
Cover both sides of the apple/ peanut butter with birdseed
Hang from a tree
Watch and enjoy the beautiful birds of Ohio
This craft is the perfect opportunity to learn about our beautiful and diverse Ohio pollinators. Do you need some extra inspiration for topics and some fun conversation starters?
- Discuss migration: Some birds fly south for the winter to find warmer areas to live. Why do you think they migrate south? Where would you migrate to if you were a bird and why?
- Discuss different habitats: Owls, bats, and bird. Where do they nest and why? Do you have a special place in our house where you like to cuddle up in the fall and winter? Where is it and why?
- Discuss different food sources: Bugs, native plants, fruits etc. Take a walk in your yard and see if you can spot any other yummy treats for our pollinators. Are there any areas they might stay away from?
- Discuss the difference in feather patterns between male and female birds as they visit your apple feeder
- YouTube is a great resource for learning/ hearing the different bird calls from your new visitors
- Observe any feathers you find left behind. Guess who the feather may belong to
