Here is a fun bird feeder activity for you and the birds to enjoy!

 

Birdseed Cookie Bird Feeders

 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup water

1 packet unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 cups birdseed

Muffin/cupcake pan

Non-stick cooking spray

Straws (cut in 3" sections)

String

Optional: Dried berries, oats, nuts, etc, and salt free peanut butter or shortening for decorations.

 

Directions:

       Use a medium sized bowl and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Mix 1 packet of unflavored gelatin into the water and let it sit for about 1 minute. Have an adult heat water and gelatin mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds (until hot, but not boiling). Carefully stir. Add 1 1/2 cups birdseed and stir until mixed well.

       Spay a muffin pan with non-stick cooking oil. Spoon the birdseed/gelatin mixture into the cups of the muffin pan. Press and flatten each one with a piece of straw standing up in the center. Make sure the straw is through to the bottom of the pan and that the seed mixture is packed firmly around it. Optional: spread peanut butter or shortening on top of the cookies and add decorations of dried berries, oats, nuts etc.

       Place the muffin pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours until the cookies are hardened and set. Use a butter knife to slide around the edge of the muffin cups to pop out each cookie. Remove the straw and place a string through the hole. Tie your cookies in trees in outside for the birds to enjoy!

       You might think that there is nothing for gardeners to do in winter. However, winter is a great time for gardeners to review the plants they had in last years garden and start planning changes and additions for the plants they want to grow in their gardens for the coming spring and summer seasons. February is a great time for gardeners to start their favorite flower and vegetable plants from seeds inside their home or in a greenhouse. The plants can grow indoors and get a good start while the weather is cold. Then, they can plant the seedlings outside in their gardens in spring when the temperature stays warm enough and the danger of frost has passed. Come by and see all the seed varieties and seed starting supplies we offer.