For the birds: winter wildlife craft

February 3, 2026 — We’ve been making these bird treats, usually on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, since our sons were young. I’ve used the star, bell and heart shaped cookie cutters. Of course, use whatever you have on hand. 

What you need:

• A slice or two of bread, or more, if you wish (and a toaster)
• Cookie cutter(s)
• Peanut butter and spreader
• Bird seed, plate
• Ribbon or string, cut 6 - 8” strips
• Straw or knife

• What to do:
• Lightly toast bread (too crisp will crumble when you cut it)
• Cut out toast in shapes
• Spread peanut butter gently on one (or both) side(s) of toast
• Sprinkle some bird seed on a plate
• Press the peanut butter side(s) of toast in bird seed, firmly
• Cut a small hole near the edge (not too near) of the toast using the tip of a straw or knife
• String ribbon through the hole and tie a knot

It’s time to bundle up and venture outside! Find a tree with branches you can reach to hang the bird treats on. Watch for the birds — it’s a joy to see them discover the treats you made just for them!

Another hot tip, if you can swing it, is to purchase a bird bath defroster. Our bird bath is usually crowded with birds drinking or just hanging around their winter water cooler. You know how those birds love to gossip. Hence, the saying, “a little bird told me.”  Tweet tweet chirp. 

Getting outside to feed the birds just might feed your soul :D .

If you want to get in touch or subscribe to my (infrequent) e-news, please visit my Contact page.