A favorite pastime for us is to point out all the bird and squirrel nests we observe during walks in the neighborhood. We have several birdfeeder projects planned but we're also planning to make a bird nest helper.
If you've never made one, a bird nest helper is simply a bunch of string, hair, yarn, grass, and other materials that birds might use to build their nest. We found this fun and simple bird nest helper by Etsy seller maddyandme. Or do as we're doing and make something yourself using a mesh bag or something similar.
There are helpful tips that you should read before making a bird nest helper. Safety tips such as avoiding string longer than 3-4 inches and not offering plastic or nylon are important. You can read more about safety tips here.
(Images: maddyandme (top); Janie Lee (bottom))
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I picked a few of those up at a little shop in Troy, NY when visiting old architecture school friends in the winter of 2010 and have given them as gifts, to much delight! I am sad to report that ours hasn't seen much action, but that is surely due to our urban location and species of backyard birds. They are brilliant!
Oh, this is such a cute idea! My six year old will love doing this, and we already have a couple of those suet feeders in the garage.
I love this idea! We'll start collecting materials through the winter and put it out in the spring when the birds are looking to build their nests.
We also just put the stuff out on the lawn (without the suet feeder) and the birds come collect it. They really like dog and cat fur, too.
As a knitter and dog owner - I love this idea! I am going to make up a bunch of these with dog hair and yarn bits for country friends.
Follow up: Ours worked! We found a nest with our yarn bits in it (over two years since we hung it, but still)!
http://bloggingcornerblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/for-birds-urban-nest_15.html