|
|
A Family Banquet for
the Birds
By Elizabeth Wells for Real
Families, Real Fun
You don't need
a stereo to hear soulful tunes. Thanks to some melodic birds, the air
is filled year-round with sweet, light songs.
So, set aside the bread for French
toast and spoil them with other tasty delights - sure to make them
return again and again.
In my family, each winter we make treats for the birds in our yard.
Over the years, we vary the treats and create new ones. Whether the
birds you love are in your yard or in the park, consider the following
recipes to show your appreciation.
- Spread pinecones with peanut butter,
suet, and birdseed. Hang them upside down to look like hearts.
- Combine popcorn and cranberries to
create red and white valentine garlands.
- String oat and fruit cereal garlands
for more color.
- Cut oranges, grapefruit, or lemons
in half; scoop out the middle (for a people salad), and thread
yarn through the upper half to make a hanging birdfeeder (like a
hanging planter). Fill the citrus birdfeeders with berries, nuts,
or birdseed.
Tricia Sypniewski, a mom from Ohio,
says her family cut clementine oranges in half and a few into
slices, and then pierced string through to make a sunshine
garland. They then hung the garland in a tree where they could see
it "from the family room and my daughter's bedroom,"
which inspired talks about nature.
When my family finished making our
treats, we bundled up to go outside to hang our gifts for the birds.
In consideration of my children's sizes when they were little, we
decorated easy-to-reach bushes. As they grew, we graduated to tree
branches. The decorations made a perfect picture. We felt so inspired
that we created homemade cards for friends. Between drawing and
sipping hot chocolate, we would look up to watch the birds enjoy our
gifts. And what a pageantry we attracted: cardinals, blue jays, and
chickadees.
To add an educational element to this
activity, keep an illustrative bird guide near a window so you and
your kids can learn to identify the birds you see.
TAKE IT FROM ME:
Squirrels are looking for a feast this time of year, too, so spread
some seeds, fruit, dried corn, or popcorn on the ground to detour them
from stealing the feast from the birds. --Beth
|
The
content on these pages is provided as general information only
and should not be substituted for the advice of your
physician.
© Studio One
Networks
|
Related Articles:
Picking
Strawberries
Here are a few simple methods of getting this fun job
done right! And strawberry pie is so easy to make. Add a
little whipped cream, and what a dessert!
Watermelon
Cookies
What a fun addition to your summertime picnic or party. These
watermelon cookies are easy and fun and the kids will enjoy helping as
well!
Tips
for Selecting the Best Summer Fruit
Summertime brings with it a bounty of fresh fruits, but consumers
often have no idea how to choose the best fruit. This can lead to the
frustration of lackluster fruit, which can make all the difference in
the quality of your dining experience. Keep these handy tips in mind
when choosing summer fruit and you’ll always get the pick of the
crop.
Lazy
Gourmet SOUPer Simple Soups and Sides
Great things to try for the busy
family that's always on the go. The
ingredient lists are short and nutritious, too!
|
|
