Birdwatching is one of the most popular and enjoyable pasttimes for wildlife viewing. Why not encourage people to join in this hobby and raise awareness of local bird populations at the same time. Bird houses and feeders can be made from a wide variety of items that you probably have in your garage or home. Obtain local bird checklists and provide them along with the feeders, or create information sheets about different species while teaching kids in your organization to identify common birds. Also consider providing baggies of birdseed, creatively packaged to go along with your feeders.
Check out these ideas for re-using milk jugs and food tins from the EEK! Web site for kids at dnr.wi.gov/eek/ and search for “Recycle for the Birds.”
Another way to provide shelter for birds is to grow gourds that can be dried, painted, and made into beautiful birdhouses. You’ll want to choose from a wide variety of hard-skinned gourds suitable to your growing area. Other art, such as bowls or planters can also be made. This is a longer term project and will take a growing season and over-winter to dry the gourds.
Make your fundraiser even more successful by combining it with an Earth Day celebration.
