Paper towel roll bird feeder

(This idea came home from school.)

Materials:

• sturdy paper towel roll, cut to a 13cm (about 5") length
• hole punch
• sturdy string or yarn 30cm (about 12")
  
• lard
  [The debate rages on as to whether or not lard is bad for birds, you'll have to do your own research and come up with your own conclusion about the suitability of this ingredient. While we're at it, you may want to consider whether you feel putting up a bird feeder has a negative impact on birds' natural ability to find food or migrate south. But I digress.]
• bird seed (if you have squirrels in your area, consider getting squirrel proof bird seed)
• cookie tray
  

Instructions:

• punch two holes opposite each other in the top of the paper towel roll piece, about 2 cm from the edge of the tube
• thread the string or yarn through the holes and tie both ends together tightly
• spread a thin layer of seed on a cookie tray
• rub lard over the paper towel roll (cover the child's hand with a plastic baggie if you don't want to deal with little lardy hands)
• roll the lardy paper towel roll in the seed, until most of the lard is covered with seed
• hang on a tree and wait for the birds to come!

(Photo shows bird feeder wrapped in a plastic bag for transport. Do not hang bird feeder while covered with a plastic bag!)

WARNING:

The finished product could be a choking hazard if child left unsupervised. Child safety is your responsibility!