A nesting wreath is a fun and easy craft project for kids. It has the added bonus of making them more aware of the wildlife in your backyard. Once the birds start visiting your wreath, they’ll want to learn to identify the birds and their nesting habits.
You’ll want to get this out right away, as soon as the male birds arrive and start scoping out real estate. Hang your wreath from a prominent tree branch, not too hidden by foliage where predators might lurk. If you put it close to a well-established bird feeder, the birds will be sure to notice your gift and partake.
To make your wreath you’ll need a wreath from the craft store and scraps of yarn, fabric, feathers, raffia or just about any other fibers. I used a grapevine wreath, but just about
any craft wreath will do. The advantage of the grape vine is it is made from natural materials and so blends in better with the garden and it can be re-used year after year.
Fluffy and colorful (clockwise from the top): Fuzzy yarns, nylon raffia, crafty shredded something, feathers, natural raffia, colored thread, angora yarns, one with glittery threads.
I like to use brightly colored yarn and fibers because they are more visible for the birds and stand out more when we go to look for the nests built with our offerings. I also like fluffy, fibrous yarns and feathers so that the birds will have something soft to line their nests. Cut the pieces 2′-4′ long. They need to be long enough that you can secure them to the wreath but not too long that the birds can’t carry them away. Secure the pieces to the wreath by looping it around the grape vines or poke it into cracks and crevices of the wreath with a table knife. This is the tricky part–getting it secure enough that it will stand up to a bit of a breeze but loose enough that the bird can easily pluck it out.
Be ready to refill your wreath after a windy day or when the birds deplete it. And…that’s it.
Later this summer, look for nests that have bits and pieces of the nesting wreath to see what a fine gift you and your children made for your backyard friends.
