Create a Nesting Supply Station (Easy Activity for Kids!)

Don’t you love hearing the birds sing outside? Birds are an important part of our ecosystem, and our world would look very different without them. Now that spring is here, many of our favorite birds are starting to build nests where they can lay their eggs. We can help them out! With this easy activity, you can create a nesting supply station where birds can stock up on important, eco-friendly materials for their new homes. This activity is fun and easy for all ages—no matter how old you are, you can do this!

DO’s and DON’Ts for Building a Nesting Supply Station

Before you get started, keep these tips in mind!

  • DO put natural, biodegradable materials in your supply station.
  • DO use containers that let birds come and go easily.
  • DO place your supply station in an area with shelter from wind.
  • DO ask an adult to help you hang your supply station.
  • DON’T put “litter” in your supply station, like plastic, tin foil, or metallic candy bar wrappers.
  • DON’T use bright-colored feathers in your supply cabinets. Birds don’t want their nests to stand out to predators!
  • DON’T choose a container that is brightly colored, or difficult for birds to enter or leave. 

 

You Will Need:

-A brown, tan, dark green, or black container with a handle. (Like a wicker basket, or a wire bird feeder.)

-Any or all of the following nesting materials:

  • Twigs
  • Dry grass
  • Natural, un-dyed feathers 
  • Fluffy plants like cottonwood down, pussy willows, or cattail fluff. 
  • Pieces of bark 
  • Moss 
  • Dry leaves 
  • Pine needles 

Instructions

Gather the nesting materials into your container. Try exploring your yard and collecting the things you find. The best nesting materials are found in nature!

Make sure your materials are pretty loose in your container so birds can grab them easily.

Once your container is full, leave it somewhere sheltered or ask an adult to help you hang it up. The best place to put your nesting station is somewhere that isn’t too windy, like between a tree and a wooden fence.

That’s all there is to it! Now, the birds who visit your yard can use the materials to build a safe place for their babies. Great work, you just made a difference in your own backyard!