In winter, birds have a harder time finding seeds and insects to eat. You can help them with this easy project.

You will need: one large, open pinecone, a piece of string about as long as your arm, a plastic knife, vegetable shortening or sunflower seed butter, birdseed, and a paper plate.

Step 1: Tie the string tightly around the top of the pinecone. Leave a long tail of string so you can hang the feeder later.

Step 2: Use the plastic knife to coat the pinecone with shortening. Push it into the spaces between the scales, so the seeds will have something to stick to.

Step 3: Pour birdseed onto the paper plate. Roll the pinecone in the seed until it is covered all over.

Step 4: Hang your feeder from a tree branch near some bushes. Birds like to eat in places where they can quickly hide if a cat or a hawk comes near.

Step 5: Watch from a window. It may take a few days for the birds to find your feeder, so be patient!