Many birds actively migrate south in autumn, around Halloween and afterward. If you’re along the southern route of the flight path to their winter home, you might want to offer a seasonal treat, such as using a pumpkin as a bird feeder.
How to Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Feeding birds with pumpkin isn’t a new idea, but neither is it a common use of the fruit. A few ways to turn a pumpkin into a bird feeder are listed online, but use your imagination for this simple project. This is a simple and fun activity to get your kids involved in wildlife education, and a great way to spend quality learning time with them.
If your autumn routine includes making pumpkin pies, breads, and other treats for the family, save the shell from one of those fresh pumpkins and recycle it as a bird feeder. Use those you’ve carved for jack-o-lanterns too. Some gourds from your autumn displays can also be worked into birdfeeders.
- A pumpkin shell bird feeder may be as simple as a small pumpkin with the top cut off and the pulp and seeds removed.
- Add a couple of sticks for perches and fill it with birdseed. Set it on a stump or other flat outdoor surface.
- You can turn it into a hanging feeder by attaching rope to the bottom or sides of the pumpkin and then tie the rope around a tree limb or other appropriate hanger.
You’ll attract birds that are on the move. If you provide good water sources (for both baths and drinking) and safe resting conditions, perhaps some will pause along their journey and stay for a day or so.
Depending on your location, you might see evening grosbeaks, hawks, Cedar waxwings, and a range of other southbound birds. Conditions in coastal and mountain areas often produce warm winds favored by tree swallows, merlins, American kestrels, and peregrine falcons. Spend some time observing which birds visit your landscape and feeders.
You don’t have to wait until Halloween to come up with unusual and inexpensive ways to feed migrating birds. Get ready for them now.
This easy DIY gift idea is one of many projects featured in our latest eBook, Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects for the Fall and Winter. Learn how downloading our latest eBook can help your neighbors in need by clicking here.