Orange Bird Feeder

What You Need:

• Navel Orange
• 2 pre-cut pieces of string, 36" long each
• Knitting needle
• Cork
• Plastic needle with rounded or flat end

What You Do:

1. Cut the orange in half and save the other half for a snack.
2. Have your child thread the plastic needle using one of the pre-cut strings.
3. Encourage her to push the needle through one side of the orange, all the way through to the other side. Make sure she inserts the needle about 1/2" down from the top edge of the orange.
4. Even out the strings so they are of equal length on each side of the orange.
5. Repeat this process with the other string. This time, inserting the string 90 degrees from the other insertion point, create an "X."  Even out the string on both sides.
6. Have her tie the four strings together.
7. Give the birds a place to perch! Insert the knitting needle between the two strings and poke it out the other end. Even it out on both sides.
8. Find a sturdy tree branch to hang the bird feeder. Make sure it's near a window, or someplace where you'll be able to see it easily.
9. To protect the birds, cap off the pointy part of the knitting needle with the cork.

Have your child keep an eye on her orange bird feeder, checking from time to time to see which birds are enjoying it. If she likes, she can even keep a journal and make sketches of the birds that come to the feeder!