Suet Cages and Bird Feeders

Suet Cage for Nesting Materials

Last week, our friendly neighbour, Ms. Johnston, gave us two Suet Cages.  Instead of filling it with bird food, we decided to put nesting materials to help birds make their spring nests.    

First, we did some research about how birds make their nests.  We looked in some books and searched the internet for information about what materials birds use to make their nests.  We also saw a few videos on YouTube.  Below is one of the videos our class watched.  

We learned that birds make their nests using string, twigs, grass, cotton, feathers, pine needles, flower petals and even hair!  We already had some of those materials in our class, so we decided to use them.  

Once our cages were filled, we found a spot to hang them on a tree in front of our classroom window.  Everyday the students eagerly look out the window to see if the birds are using their offerings to build nests.  

Containers for Bird Feeders

We collected some coffee containers from Tim Hortons.  A few students were interested in turning them into bird feeders and hanging them on the tree next to the suet cages.  The students worked to decorate the outside of the feeder with pasta and Lima beans, and the inside with sunflower seeds.

Once the bird feeders were completed, the students presented them to the rest of the class.  

Ms. M – How did you make your bird feeders?

K. V. – We use different materials.

Ms. M – What materials did you use?

M. C. – Macaroni!

J. B. – Beans!

A. S. – Grass Seeds!

Ms. M – What did you put inside the bird house?

J. B. – Bird food like seeds.

Ms. I – Why do you think the birds will like using that bird feeder?

K. V. – Because they have food in it.

M. C. – Cause they can get in it, because there’s a hole.

Ms. I – How does the hole protect the birds?

K. V. – Because there gonna get cold.

M. C. – Being hot from the sun.

J. B. – Warm and rain. 

Ms. I – What do you think the birds will do with the macaroni around it?

All – Eat it!

Finally,  we took the bird feeders to the front of the school and hung them on a branch close to the cages filled with materials.  We were happy to see that the birds were making use of the materials we left for their nests.    

As soon as we hung our bird feeders a little bird flew to the tree and began chirping away!  We were happy to be helping our feathered friends in nature.  Hopefully a bird will choose to build a nest of the tree in front of our classroom window.