rummage sale for the birds
I can't tell you how much joy this little basket of bits and pieces brings to my heart. It is a harbinger of spring, the first sign that winter is in its last throes. In this diminutive basket near the art supplies, we are collecting items for the birds, who are busy making their nests in preparation for the boom of new life that will be happening in the next few months.
Yarn leftovers, embroidery floss, downy chicken feathers, a left-behind piece of the cloth mop, scraps of fabric, a bit from a torn sponge, a ball of hair after a thorough hair brush cleaning - all of these things would have been thrown away, but our trash is the bird's treasure. After this indoor basket is full, a child takes it outside and deposits the loot in a larger basket, where the birds are free to take what they please at their leisure.
We're hoping that we will see evidence of this gift to the birds in nearby nests. Our eyes are peeled for pieces of bright yarn.
Yarn leftovers, embroidery floss, downy chicken feathers, a left-behind piece of the cloth mop, scraps of fabric, a bit from a torn sponge, a ball of hair after a thorough hair brush cleaning - all of these things would have been thrown away, but our trash is the bird's treasure. After this indoor basket is full, a child takes it outside and deposits the loot in a larger basket, where the birds are free to take what they please at their leisure.
We're hoping that we will see evidence of this gift to the birds in nearby nests. Our eyes are peeled for pieces of bright yarn.
16 comments:
My parents and I do this too. I keep a old ceramic creamer next to my sewing machine for the thread. A small basket similar to yours next to my chair for yarn.
Brilliant! I don't know why I don't do more things like this. I have been gradually making changes in my little family's life to do more things such as this. Thanks for being so inspiring Meg!
What a lovely sentiment. I've always just put them out on the ground, but htis is a nice idea and a great way to involve the children.
I have fond memories of doing this same thing with my grandmother. We would cut up some pieces of red yarn to drape on tree branches. We'd then use the bright color to help us find nests in the coming weeks!
What a fantastic idea! I keep those scraps for future craft projects, but that might change now...
My mom used to do this with us, too! Love it.
Oh, and I got my gorgeous apron pattern in the mail, and I'm so excited!
Anna
Wow, what a great idea! I have been tossing all of my little ends and didn't even think about doing something like that... I have to start this right now. Thanks for sharing! Em (emandmikeyATaolDOTcom)
What a sweet idea. Imagine how long it would take the little birdies to find all of this stuff in nature. My kids would love to do this. Thanks for sharing!
so glad you wrote about this....I've meant to do my own little bird shopping mall for a week or so now. Now I have more encouragement to just go ahead and get those scraps ready for the birdies. Is is ok to hang a basket in a tree or is that too scary I wonder? I have a virtual bird sanctuary right outside the window beside my computer...I plan to really develop it further with a birdbath, etc. Thanks for the encouragement!
I love the idea...maybe the birds will make colorful nests near the school so the children can see!
This is so lovely. I can't wait to see the little scraps in their nests!
That is a lovely way to help us feel connected to the environment. Way to go!
How wonderful - I'm gathering all my bits from now on.
This lovely idea is new to me, but I am pleasantly surprised to see how many others have done this before. I know we will now.
don't forget dryer lint! We put ours in a mesh bag (the size shallots and cherry tomatoes come in) and hang it on a branch...........
the birds love it.
What a wonderful idea. I know my kids would love this!! Thanks for sharing. You have a fantastic blog.
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