Bird Feeder Design Activity

Empathize: First stage of design

What type of bird do you want to attract to your bird feeder? Here are some common birds that we see at at Ford House! They also live, year-round, in Michigan!

Northern cardinal

The males and females look very different! Males are almost entirely red. Females are brown with a little red on their tail wings, and on their bills.

Habitats: backyards, parks, woodlots, and shrubby forest edges.

To attract a cardinal: design a feeder that has seeds and a tray to stand on.

Red-bellied woodpecker

Woodpeckers can stick their tongue out up to 2 inches past their beak!

Habitats: forests, woodlands, and wooded suburbs. They nest in dead trees, dead branches, or fences.

To attract a woodpecker: design a feeder that

has seeds and bugs. They like to hang when they eat.

American robin

The American robin is the state bird of Michigan!

Habitats: lawns, fields, city parks, woodlands, forests, mountains, and tundra. They build their nests in trees, and sometimes in the eaves and gutters of your house. from sticks, leaves, grass and other materials.

To attract a robin: design a feeder that has pieces of apple, berries, and/or dried meal worms. They like to eat from the ground.

Chickadees hide seeds to eat later!

Habitats: forests, open woods, parks, willow thickets, cottonwood groves, and backyards. They nest in small holes (or cavities) in trees.

To attract chickadee: design a feeder that has suet, sunflower seeds, and/or peanuts and has a peg to stand on when it eats

Black capped chickadee

• Where the food will be? • Where the birds will stand?• What will keep the food safe from squirrels?

Idea 1 Idea 2

Define: Second stage of design

I want to attract some ______________________to my feeder. The __________________likes to eats_______________________. The

feeder will be located in/on___________________________. This bird likes to _________________________ when it eats.

Optional extension : Squirrels are pest for bird feeders. How will I protect my feeder from squirrels?

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Ideate:Third stage of design Draw at least two ideas for bird feeders. Be sure you show:

Prototype: Forth stage of design

Here are some recommended materials. Feel free to use items from your recycling bin or anything else you have around the house.

• 1 paper punch hole punch

• Scissors• Aluminum Foil

• Tape • Paper Cups • Paper Plates • Pipe Cleaners

• Skewers/ Sharpened pencils

• Small Binder Clips (3/4")/ clothespins

Give it a try! See what you can construct – if you’re stuck ,check out bird feeder inspirations for more help.

Test: Fifth stage of design

Set up your bird feeder in your backyard and observe! Birds may take time to find their feeder.

Field notes:

Did my bird feeder attract birds? ______________________________________________________________________________

Did I attract the bird I designed for? ___________________________________________________________________________

Did my bird feeder keep the squirrels out?_____________________________________________________________________

Write a paragraph about how your prototype bird feeder is working. What is working well? How could you improve your

design? How are your materials holding up? Are there any other materials that could be better for your next try?

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If you need more room write on the back!

Learning extensions:

Check out Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe for bird feeders for year round enjoyment, local birding information, and feeder tips.

Check out common feeder birds and how to attract them through the Project FeederWatch program!

Become a citizen scientist with celebrate urban birds!

Online storybooks

Beautiful Birds by Leona Locke

The Birds I'll See by Holly Hartman

Red Robin by Will McKay

Design activity: bird feeder

Bird feeder inspiration!

Materials used – Popsicle box from recycling, aluminum foil, and yarn.

Tray design for cardinals.

Materials used: small paper cup, scissors, pencil, and yarn

Peg design for chickadees.