Winter Solstice Wildlife Feeders
Happy Winter Solstice! Today is also known as Yuletide, shortened to Yule, or rather the start of the 12 day Yule festival. Yule is the sabbat to celebrate the longest night of the year. Darkness has reached it’s peak, and tomorrow the light begins to return. So many of our holidays during this time celebrate light, just as Winter Solstice does. Yule focuses on rebirth and renewal. After the year 2020 has been I think we could all use some renewal.
While Yule does have pagan roots, you don’t have to be pagan, or a witch, or woo woo, or even spiritual to celebrate Winter Solstice. If you love nature, wildlife, the earth, these are all reasons to celebrate. There are many ways to mark the day and connecting with nature is one of the best ways. Our family celebrates Winter Solstice, another change in the seasons, feeling our connection to mother earth, and to all living things. We love to take some time this week to help feed some of our backyard wildlife, especially since it is starting to get really cold and the birds and squirrels could use some help finding sustenance. This year we made two kinds of feeders, super simple and easy. I’ve included instructions and photos below.
I know I’m posting this late in the day on Winter Solstice, but you and your family can make these feeders any day. Making winter wildlife feeders is a great activity in January. If you have little ones, it is fun to do with them and be sure to take them back to the feeders a day or two after to see how much the animals have enjoyed eating!
Yule blessings to you!
Nicole
The first feeder is a peanut butter and birdseed toilet paper roll. This one is particularly fun for children to help make.
- Cardboard, such as toilet paper or paper towel rolls
- String or Twine
- Hole Punch
- Peanut Butter
- Wild Bird Seed
Punch a hole about an inch from one side, and then a matching hole across from it.
Spread peanut butter all over the tube (be generous so the birdseed will adhere well) and roll it in the birdseed.
The finished feeders.
Corn Cob Feeders
Supplies:
- Dried corn on the cob
- String or Twine
Thread the string through the hole. It is also a good OT exercise, Noah’s occupational therapist would be glad to see him working on his fine motor skills.
Reminder: This is also a good time to refill the bird / wildlife feeders you have in your yard. We got this one last year, he is kind of like a cross between a gnome and Santa.
Well, this post is already loaded with photos, why not add a couple more.
Hope you have fun getting outside this winter!
Chime by Jendala – We love these chimes! They are made by a local artist and the best part is you can design your own on her website! jendala.com
