Teach kids the importance of recycling and spending time outdoors this summer by building a recycled bottle hummingbird feeder.

As a kid, I loved spending time at my grandma’s house. Her backyard was filled with hummingbird feeders, and we loved sitting on the porch swing watching them. I always helped her prepare homemade hummingbird nectar with our favorite Imperial Sugar.

I am so excited to continue the tradition with my own son this month! We have partnered with Imperial Sugar to share a simple way you can recycle plastic bottles into a hummingbird buffet.

This easy activity is the perfect way to get outside with your kids! You can even have them help you prepare the homemade hummingbird nectar!

How to Make a Recycled Bottle Hummingbird Feeder

Supplies:

• 3 small plastic bottles, empty and with labels removed
• 3 yellow drinking straws with a bend
• 3 disposable plastic red bowls (you could also use plastic plates)
• Electric drill
• Hole punch
• 12 gauge craft wire
• Rubber band
• White glue
• Scissors

Cut out the flat bottom of each bowl, then trace the cap of a bottle onto it. Cut around the traced circle to create a flower shape.

Use the drill to create a hole in the top of each bottle cap that is just wide enough for a straw to fit through.

Punch a hole in the center of each red plastic flower and thread each one onto the end of a straw. Insert the straw into the cap of a bottle and seal with white glue. Make sure the bend of the straw is just outside the cap opening so the straw bends at an angle as it comes out of the bottle. This is where the hummingbird will drink from!

Arrange the flower so it is at the end of the straw’s bend to attract the hummingbirds. Glue in place. (You’ll need to remove the cap to add nectar to the bottles, so keep that in mind as you apply glue!) My son loved applying the glue!

Allow to dry overnight. Once set, wrap the wire around the neck of a bottle, then pull it up to create a hanger for the bottle. We attached all three of our bottles together in a pyramid shape so to create a buffet to attract lots of hummingbirds! Use the rubber band to go around the top and hold the bottles together.

Now, it’s time to fill up the feeders and hang them!

How to Make Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup Extra Fine Granulated Imperial Sugar

Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until it’s dissolved. Refrigerate overnight.

Add the nectar to each bottle and trim both ends of your straws so that they allow water to flow just inside the straw.

Hang your hummingbird buffet outside near a window so you can watch the hummingbirds feast!

Sugar is for More Than Baking!

Sugar is one of the most-used ingredients in our house. I love that I can share this fun and traditional recipe with my family. Sugar is so versatile which is why I always keep a nice big bag around at home!

You can visit the Imperial Sugar website for additional crafts, recipes, and gift ideas!

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