Creating a peanut butter paradise

In just a few weeks, spring will make its arrival, allowing for migrating birds to return to their homes. Millions of birds leave the Louisiana coastline to travel through the Mississippi Flyway, which is said to be one of the top birding spots in the world, to venture back as far as Canada.

Northwest Louisiana, in fact, is home to more than 300 recorded species. Resident birds include the Red-bellied Woodpecker, the American Robin, Red-tailed Hawk and the Northern Cardinal. There are several spots in our region to spot the numerous birds flying above, including your own back yard.

In an effort to entice these birds to stay a bit longer and to offer them a meal during winter’s final weeks, an easy project to do with your family is making a pinecone bird feeder.

To start, gather the necessary materials: pinecones (preferably opened), string, peanut butter (or vegetable shortening), cornmeal or oatmeal, bird seed mix, and a plate.

When it comes to seeds, “all seeds are not created equal,” Dennis Forshee, co-owner of Wild Bird Center of Shreveport, said. “Avoid milo, and black oil sunflower is best.” Forshee and his wife, Janice, have owned the shop located at 7034 Youree Drive for 12 years.

Once you have the needed supplies, you’re ready to get started. First, tie a string around the pinecone.

Mix half a cup of peanut butter or shortening with the half cup of oatmeal/ cornmeal.

Spread this mixture onto the pinecone with a utensil or your own hands! You’ll want to make sure the mixture gets inside the open areas of the pinecone. (This step is easier if the mixture is warm.)

Finally, place the bird seen on the plate.

Roll and press the bird seed onto the pinecone until it is well covered.

Feel free to make as many pinecone bird feeders as your family wants; I can assure

you the birds aren’t complaining. As for hummingbird nectar, Forshee advises to not use honey or artificial sweeteners. Instead, use sugar and water.

To take this bonding activity further, the Shreveport Society for Nature Study compiled a list of the top bird spotting “Hot Spots,” including:

• Bodcau Bayou Wildlife Area

• Black Bayou, Noah Tyson Park, Robert Nance Park

• Red River

• Caddo Lake, Horace Downs Park, Earl Williamson Park

• Cypress-Black Bayou Recreation Area

• Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area/ Wildlife Refuge

• Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park

• Cross Lake

• Clyde Fant Parkway

• Red River Research and Education Park

• Red River Research Station

• Loggy Bayou Wildlife Management Area

• Eddie B. Jones Park

• Bishop Point Recreation Area

• Yearwood Road Area

• Red River Lock and Dam No. 4

You can visit birdstudygroup.org for a full list of Northwest Louisiana’s Bird Arrival and Departure Dates.

For more information, be sure to visit the Wild Bird Center of Shreveport. Happy feeding!

Karen E. Wissing is the public relations and marketing manager for Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center. Part of Sci-Port’s mission is to spark curiosity about the world around us, including within informal settings. Email your questions, comments or suggestions to kwissing@sciport.org. Follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/sciport.

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