Craft idea: Bird Biscuits

Hello to the list,
The 3-G discussion is getting a bit old, so for a change of pace,
how about remembering the wild birds? Below are two ideas for your den,
sixer, colony, or troop that make really nice birdseed cookies (priced these
in a wild birds specialty store, very expensive for such a simple thing).
The first one uses glue and a wooden shape (cardboard may work, too), the
second is cookie-cuttered and baked.
Try to remember to supply birds with water, too. Even an old cake
pan on the ground, emptied and refreshed often, will catch rainwater for
drinking.
I have added some notes and comments. Hang these around a rest home
or retirement home as your good deed for the month. The seniors and the
birds will thank you!
YIS
Lorie McGraw
Columbia, SC

Bird Biscuit

(This project was on the Discovery Channel show called Start to Finish.)

This project is rated EASY to do.

Supplies - Flat wooden heart or other cut out wooden shape, non-toxic
(Elmers or flour/water) glue, birdseed, drill, and 1/4 inch ribbon (approx.
4 feet)
(Note: I see no reason that you couldn't use recycled cardboard from
cardboard boxes, as long as you hung the finished project in the shelter of
a tree so the cardboard wouldn't melt in the rain ---LLM)

1. Drill one small hole (Two if you want the heart to lay flat--one in
each side of the heart - same distance from the top so that the heart is not
lopsided.) in the top of the wood shape.
2.Cover the wooden shape completely in non-toxic glue (use a 1-2"
paintbrush, or a spatula-- like frosting a cake --LLM) and then place the
shape in a flat pan or large bowl full of bird seed.
3.Cover the entire area of the heart with the birdseed making sure no
bald spots are left anywhere on the heart. (use a small cup and scoop the
seed over the shape--LLM)
4.Let the glue dry and touch up any spots where the birdseed may have
fallen off, etc.
5.Cut a length of ribbon, yarn or twine about 18 inches (~20cm) long and
run one length of ribbon through the hole. (Cut two if using 2 holes, then
tie at the top with a bow).
6.Tie all ends of the ribbons together in a bow or knot.
7.Hang bird biscuit in a tree or somewhere birds have easy access to it.

Notes:
Scouts need adult supervision when using a drill.
Be sure to use non-toxic glue as the birds very well may end up
eating it. Any wooden shape would be great to use!
How about using bread crumbs, too? (Too soggy?)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild Birdseed Cookies

Supplies:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup butter, margarine, or lard
2 eggs
2/3 cup birdseed (too much will make the cookies crack)
macaroni elbows (for hangers)
2 egg whites for wash
cookie cutters
wool or twine to hang cookies
no salt

Method:
Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until
crumbly. Add eggs until dough firms. Add birdseed and kneed until smooth.
Chill overnight wrapped in waxpaper and a plastic bag. Roll out on lightly
floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with the cookie
cutters. Press a macaroni elbow in at the top of each cookie to make a
hanger, or make a hole with a pencil. Brush with slightly beaten egg white
and press more birdseed into the face of the cookie. Place on an ungreased
cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, or until the
cookies are hard. Decorate and hang outside.

Don't be discouraged if the birds do not come around right away, they will.
You might have to put new cookies out daily to attract them.

-----------------------------------------------

• Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
• Next message
• Previous message
• Next in thread