Green Birding

Environmentally friendly backyard birding is not only attainable, but can be alot of fun. I like to consider and evaluate green options when choosing a new feature for my backyard birding environment.

Recycle, Repurpose and Reuse

Repurposed Soda Bottle Feeder

Bird feeders can be very easily constructed out of repurposed materials. Finding a new use for a discarded container is a great activity for kids as well as adults. Doing this, makes you look at everyday objects in a totally new and creative way.

The easiest reuse of a container for backyard birding is to make a gravity fed sunflower seed or nyjer seed feeder from a soda bottle. An inverted soda bottle with few small holes, wooden dowel or stick and a string or wire for suspension will make a terrific bird feeder. Smaller feeders can be made with water bottles.

Dryer Lint Nest Materials Bag

Helping birds feather their nest is also a reuse opportunity. Dryer lint and bits of yarn or string can be stuffed inside an old vegetable bag and suspended in a tree where nesting birds can find it. The soft fibers are perfect for birds to use as part of their nesting material.

An indirect benefit to backyard birds comes from a variety of plantings. Plastic clamshells can be filled with potting soil and used as mini greenhouses to germinate seeds, and grow bird friendly plants for your backyard.

Pinecone and Corncob Feeders

A treat for both backyard birds and squirrels is the pinecone or corncob feeders. Simply coat the pinecone or corncob with peanut butter and roll it in a tray of loose bird seed. Tie a string or wire around the top of the pinecone or corncob and hang it from a tree. Birds and squirrels will flock to these feeders, and they make great projects for kids on a sunny afternoon.

Gourd Bird Houses

Natural Gourd Birdhouses

Dried gourds can be grown, or purchased at supermarkets or farm stands. The contents of the gourd can be removed after an entry hole is made with a circular hole saw. A small hole at the tip of the gourd will accomodate a string or wire hanger to suspend from a tree branch. These birdhouses make a very natural compliment to the backyard, and are suprisingly resilent and easily cleaned.

Bird Houses & Bird Feeders Made From Recycled Materials

If you desire a more finished look, there are a number of manufacturers who now offer bird houses and bird feeders made from recycled and environmentally sustainable materials.

Two of my favorites are the Audubon Going Green Ranch Feeder, and the Audubon Going Green Platform Feeder.

By Bill Askenburg, Owner & Artisan – New England Birdhouse