For the Birds

photos:large Troyjohnstone.com- small-wallpaperdepot.com-gscheiderphoto.com

What could be more relaxing over coffee on a winter morning than watching birds bop about your backyard trees. Although I don't know a cedar Waxwing from a Yellow-rumped warbler, the simple act of admiring these feathered friends singing and dancing out my window I know must substantially lower my blood pressure. So in repayment for their therapeutic effects, I thought I'd offer my bird friends an edible cottage for the holidays.

You will need: 

a sturdy plastic plate

A milk or cream carton 

Pretzel sticks of appropriate size

Natural peanut butter

Bird seed, and assorted treats: cranberries, raisins, unsalted nuts

Ice cream cones

Optional: Grapevine wreath or hanging basket for display

* Please research what type of food is safe for the birds in your area. I initially thought a winter cabin would be fun but read that coconut can be dangerous for some birds.

I trimmed a bit off the bottom until I liked the proportions

this gets messy

                                                     doesn't look like much now

                                       

Break pretzel sticks to follow slope of roof- this doesn't have to be perfect- the peanut butter camouflages imperfections wonderfully. Then just add a graham cracker roof and accessories.

                                     

I chilled the house in the fridge to firm up peanut butter before moving on

                                         

Gather up accessories and extras. I decided to perch mine on a grapevine wreath- you can add a few dots of hot glue to secure it.

                              

Since we had an unseasonably warm December day I took the messiest part outside

           

Cover ice cream cone with peanut butter and roll in seed for a nice tree. I topped mine with a cranberry.

"Glue" tree into place with more peanut butter. Spread additional peanut butter generously on plate and cover with seed and/or crushed suet. You can decorate and add architectural flair with any bird friendly fruit and nuts.

Since they say in real estate location is everything, I tried a few different locations in the backyard to find the ideal spot.

                            

You can try a hanging planter if you have a lot of squirrels in your area.

                                          

or nestled on a fallen tree

                  

but I decided perched on a tree stump worked. Now I'll wait and see who moves in.

Wishing everyone the happiest of Holidays!