How to Attract Chickadees

Lots of people will tell you that chickadees are their favorite feeder birds. They are easily attracted, and can often be hand-tamed. Cheerful as a Christmas card, chickadees are versatile acrobats who can either perch or hang upside-down to glean seeds from your feeder.



Step1
Plant trees and bushes that attract chickadees. Depending on the species in your area, these can include pine, hemlock and birch trees, and berry-bearing plants.


Step2
Buy a bird feeder. Because chickadees are so physically versatile, you can use tube, domed, satellite, hopper or platform feeders with equal success.


Step3
Fill the feeders with black-oil sunflower seeds or shelled peanuts.


Step4
Put up a suet feeder, or hang pieces of suet in a mesh bag from a tree branch.


Step5
Make a mix of peanut butter and birdseed and spread it on a tree limb or make "cakes" to hang in a mesh bag.


Step6
Put up a chickadee nesting box in the spring. Make sure it has the exact dimensions specified for a chickadee.


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How to Attract Cardinals

Cardinals, or "redbirds" as they are often called, are large, sturdy birds that need a sturdy surface to feed from. They often feed on the ground, but a solid feeder filled with their favorite goodies is sure to attract them to your yard.



Step1
Buy a tray or platform feeder with space enough on it for larger birds to land.


Step2
Fill the feeder with any of the following foods: black-oil sunflower seeds (a cardinal favorite), safflower seeds, peanut or other nut kernels, or dried fruit such as raisins or apples.


Step3
Use mealworms (available at most pet stores or online), especially in spring when cardinals are feeding young.


Step4
Consider offering seeds from fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe or squash (including pumpkins).


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How to Attract Blue Jays

Wait!" you say, "blue jays may be pretty, but they are also loud, querulous, chase other birds away and even eat the eggs and young of other species." Still, if you are a blue jay advocate, here's how to get them to your feeder for a great photo op (especially when they're next to cardinals or goldfinches!).


Step1
Erect a large platform feeder that is easy for blue jays to land on.


Step2
Fill the feeder with peanuts. You can use whole, raw peanuts, peanut kernels or peanut halves.


Step3
Include sunflower seeds. The birds will eat whole seeds, but shelled seeds are a special treat.


Step4
Hang a suet feeder, especially in winter when the birds are looking for high-energy foods.


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How to Assemble a Model Train Layout

There are train sets, and then there are model railroads. The difference is that one's a toy and one's a somewhat obsessive pursuit requiring careful assembly by very intense adults.



Step1
Decide how you are going to lay out your tracks.


Step2
Test your tentative layout to ensure that you have enough track and couplers for your design by placing the tracks end to end without attaching them.


Step3
Lay out the tracks on the floor beside the area you're building them on to make sure you get each piece installed in order.


Step4
Decide whether you are going to glue or pin down the tracks. Glue is more stable, but less authentic.


Step5
Clip the first section of track to the second. Depending on the type of train set, the tracks will either be laid end to end (flush at the ends) or will slide into each other with small grooves and tabs.


Step6
Press the track into the glue or pin down securely.


Step7
Even if gluing, secure with a few pins.


Step8
Wipe away excess glue with a paper towel.


Step9
Continue attaching sections of track until the route is complete. Wait overnight for the glue to set, or pull the tracks slightly to make sure pins (like real rail spikes) are secure.

How to Assemble Your Own Slot Cars

Assembling slot cars is time-consuming and detailed work, but for enthusiasts, it's as much fun as racing the car.


Step1
Gather together the parts. Your kit should contain a chassis, a car body, wheels and an engine.


Step2
If necessary, plug in a soldering iron. Some cars require soldering; others clip together and have integral electrical attachments.


Step3
If the kit comes with directions, read them first.


Step4
Mount the engine into the chassis. If the chassis screws together, an appropriately sized wrench should be included with the kit.


Step5
Bolt the wheels on.


Step6
Paint the body if desired. Add decals if you'd like.


Step7
Allow the body to dry overnight.


Step8
Attach the body to the chassis.


Step9
Check for any friction between the wheels and the chassis or body.


Step10
Test the car on the track.