Jon had two pairs of Converse that he didn’t want to dump in the landfill bin, “Why don’t you use them as bird feeders?”

When looking for food, do birds use their sense of smell? If they do, wouldn’t they smell the old shoes rather than the seeds? Maybe their sense of sight would help them? Will birds eat from shoes? I had so many questions.

I started with a mini lunch box, using the lid as a shallow option. I read that some birds like to pick from the ground. Soon, a Dark-eyed Junco turned up. After a few rounds, I offered the shoe as a bird feeder.

The Dark-eyed Junco came back with its partner and four juveniles! To my surprise, everyone felt at home!

Within a week, they were well oriented. I shifted the shoes to create a second-tier – an area to hang out while they wait for their turns. Every day, they appear (even when the fog rolls in).

We officially have a rooftop party!