Encouraging your child to engage in hands-on activities like building a bird feeder from recyclable household materials is an excellent way to foster creativity, environmental awareness, and a sense of responsibility towards wildlife. Below are some guidelines to help you assist your child in this fun and educational project:

Materials Needed:

1. Empty plastic bottle (e.g., soda bottle, milk jug)

2. Scissors or craft knife (adult supervision required)

3. Wooden dowel or sturdy stick

4. String or twine

5. Popsicle sticks or small branches

6. Non-toxic paint (optional)

7. Birdseed

8. Glue (optional, if painting popsicle sticks)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bottle: Rinse out and clean the plastic bottle thoroughly. Remove any labels or stickers.

2. Cut Openings: With adult supervision, use scissors or a craft knife to cut openings in the bottle. Create two small openings opposite each other near the base of the bottle to allow birds to access the birdseed. Ensure the openings are large enough for birds to comfortably access but not so large that all the seed spills out at once.

3. Create Perches: Cut several small branches or popsicle sticks to create perches for the birds. Attach these perches just below each opening using glue or by poking them through holes in the plastic.

4. Attach the Hanger: Punch two holes near the top of the bottle and thread a string or twine through them to create a hanger. Tie the ends of the string securely to create a loop for hanging the feeder.

5. Decorate (Optional): Let your child unleash their creativity by decorating the bird feeder with non-toxic paint. They can paint designs or add colors to make it more attractive.

6. Fill with Birdseed: Once the feeder is assembled and decorated, fill it with birdseed. Ensure that the seed is easily accessible through the openings at the bottom.

7. Hang the Feeder: Find a suitable location to hang the bird feeder. This could be in your garden, a nearby park, or even outside a window where your child can observe visiting birds. Make sure it's hung securely and at a height where it's safe from predators.

Safety Precautions:

• Always supervise your child during the construction process, especially when using scissors or a craft knife.

• Use non-toxic materials and paints to ensure the safety of birds and the environment.

• Hang the bird feeder away from areas frequented by pets or other potential threats to birds.

Benefits of Building a Bird Feeder:

• Encourages creativity and problem-solving skills.

• Fosters environmental awareness and appreciation for wildlife.

• Provides opportunities for outdoor observation and learning about bird behavior.

• Teaches the importance of recycling and repurposing household items.

We hope this guide helps you and your child embark on a rewarding and enjoyable experience of building a bird feeder from recyclable materials. 

Happy birdwatching!