Tony Esposito NewsChannel 36 Production

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well this holiday season. I can't believe Christmas is almost here!

During this busy time of year I'd like to ask you to stop for a moment and think about our wildlife friends. When you and your family are setting up and decorating your Christmas tree, why not pick a tree in your yard and decorate it for wildlife.

You will be supplying some much needed food and nesting supplies while providing hours of enjoyment for your family. The way to do this is by decorating a tree with different types of fruits and seeds that birds and other wildlife love.

To start, pick a tree that you can easily see so you can enjoy the action. Decorate the tree like you would any Christmas tree. Here are some ideas to help get you started.

String of Pearls: Using a needle and thread, string together different variety of grapes. To add color, intermix raisins and cranberries.

Popcorn Party: While you have the needle and thread out, string some popcorn together. Use popcorn that is 100% natural with no salt or butter. Again, to add variety add cranberries to the mix.

Peanut Heaven: Another treat created using needle and thread is taking several raw peanuts and string them together.

Apple/Orange Slices: Cut thin slices of apples and oranges. Hang each slice on the tree using colorful ribbons.

Bird Bags: Purchase some net material and fill it with the seed of your choice. A good source for the netting material is a store that has wedding supplies. Use the netting that normally would have rice in it. Add some crushed eggshells to supplement the birds diet with calcium. Use colorful ribbons to hang it on the tree.

Pine Cone Pleasure: This is one of my favorites and have used it in some workshops I have led. Take the family out and collect different size pine cones. Mix peanut butter with oatmeal for a thick consistency. Spread the peanut butter into and onto the pine come. Grab one of our colorful ribbons and hang on the tree.

Peanut Log: Here is another treat using peanut butter. Find a tree limb that has fallen down. The diameter should be around 3-5 inches and the length could be 18-20 inches long. Drill holes all around the limb and press the peanut butter mix into the holes. This treat is especially good for nuthatches and woodpeckers.

In addition to food, place some yarn on the tree. When you groom your pet place some pet hair in netting material like we used for the Bird Bags. Birds will use this material for lining their nests.

By creating your Wildlife Christmas tree you will be helping wildlife survive during the colder months of the year. I am sure, birds and other creatures will respond by providing you and your family many hours of enjoyment.

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