Landscape Birds You Make.

Landscape Birds You Make.

Want a flock of birds in your yard that the cat won’t eat?  A bird is a fairly simple shape to make from Styrofoam.  You will need for each bird:
two balls, one big enough for the body and a smaller one for the head.
a cone to split into the beak and the tail, choose size accordingly.
A block of Styrofoam to anchor the birds in (or modeling clay),
Small dowels for legs,
three skewers to attach parts,
craft glue to aid the permanent placement of the skewers
paints,
wings made from weather-proof material or spray felt with sealant from the craft store.
Sequins or beads for eyes or google eyes, again from the craft store. (Check out the possibilities then decide. There’s fun is in the shopping.) Even decorative upholstery tacks work.
pins and glue to attach the eyes,
artistic moss or raffia for an attractive nest or base for the bird(s) to be in.

Start with a ball of whatever size you desire. This will determine the size of the finished bird.  Attach the smaller ball with a skewer or small dowel.  Add glue to the connecting piece to make it more permanent.  
Take a cone of  Styrofoam and cut the beak off one end and use the other part for the tail section. Gage the size accordingly unless you are making a comedic bird. Attach as before. Attach dowels for legs, or not, depending on whether the bird is standing or nesting. Paint the bird(s) and let dry.

Make wings from weather-proof material such as colored plastic or vinyl by determining the shape you want, extended or folded.  A variety is good for a flock. Use a picture from a magazine or vacation pictures for ideas and an easy-to-draw model.  Pin and glue in place.
Attach the eyes in place.  
The block of Styrofoam or modeling clay can be glued or stuck to a birdbath, faux nest, birdhouse, birdie swing under the porch overhang, or secured into your THEME PLANTER.  Arrange the moss or raffia to cover it and stick the bird legs or connecting dowel into the Styrofoam and you have a (sort of) feathered friend to gladden your days.  

For the extremely creative and talented, the advanced bird is covered with feathers from the craft store to look more realistic.  Beads for eyes or taxidermy eyes will make the effect even better.

For an extra eco-friendly decoration, cover the unpainted form with peanutbutter and add bird seeds to make it into a decorated feeder. Sunflower seeds make good eyes for this.  This “bird”  will reassure other birds that it is safe to eat here. Place on a hummingbird feeder to attract even one more type of bird to it. * * *