how to make a nesting ball for birds

My older son is quite the birding enthusiast and this backyard bird nesting ball was a great craft for him and a good addition to our homemade bird feeders.

Birds start to build nests in spring and our urban feathered friends appreciate a little help finding good nesting material. My bird loving son was so excited when during a Spring Break trip the botanic garden the docents were helping kids make nest balls to take home and hang on window sills, fire escapes and fences. Backyard and sidewalk birds can pilfer premium nesting material from the homemade nesting balls to help them make a comfy home for the soon-to-arrive eggs.

This backyard bird nesting ball project was a terrific addition to our handmade bird feeders and a great craft project for my older son, who is an avid bird watcher.

Cut out a circular piece of netting. Although it’s not necessary, the black paper in the picture helps children see the netting against the blanket. Collect everything you can find in the netting, including tiny branches, dried grass, feathers, yarn fragments, and even dryer lint. Break or cut longer pieces into short strands.

Sunflowers: For all birds, sunflowers are the greatest and most secure option. The most popular one being the black-oil sunflower seeds. They cost less than other varieties and have a higher oil content.

I mean, what creature on this planet does not enjoy peanut butter? These round bird feeders, covered in bird seeds, peanut butter, and dried flowers, are delectable treats for birds.

A grapevine twine wreath or ball, roughly a cup of peanut butter, bird seeds, dried fruit, if desired, and some lovely flowers are all you’ll need.

In the event that you do not own alpacas—which is quite common—you can substitute animal fibers from dogs, cats, sheep, and goats. The general guideline is to strive for the most natural look possible, and scraps of yarn, twine, string, lint, and human hair should be avoided at all costs.

The alpacas were hairy friends, and after they were sheared, we had a ton of fiber that could be used for fun nesting balls or other uses, but it cannot be used for fabric or other fiber purposes.

FAQ

What is the best nesting material for wild birds?

Fallen leaves and twigs left unraked make excellent nest materials for many birds. Providing nooks in your backyard where this untidy debris can collect provides a variety of material for the birds to check out when they are building nests.