Don't Toss That Pumpkin! How to Turn Your Halloween Decorations Into a Backyard Wildlife Feast

It's spooky season! 👻 And with Halloween just around the corner, pumpkins are starting to pop up on porches and doorsteps everywhere.

But what happens to all those pumpkins once October 31st has come and gone?

Before you toss your jack-o'-lantern into the compost, consider giving it one last purpose! With a little creativity, some bird seed and a few minutes of your time, you can turn an ordinary Halloween pumpkin into a fun backyard bird feeding station.

And if you're a last-minute pumpkin carver (me too!), there are even a few things you can do with those seeds before Halloween arrives.

Here are some of our favourite ways to get a little more out of your pumpkins this season!

1. Save Those Pumpkin Seeds!

If you're carving pumpkins this Halloween, don't throw out all that guck just yet!

Pumpkin seeds can make a fun seasonal treat for backyard birds, especially larger seed-loving species like Blue Jays.

Simply separate the seeds from the pulp, give them a good rinse and let them dry. You can also roast them plain, without any salt, oil or seasoning, before offering them to the birds.

Larger birds may be able to handle whole pumpkin seeds, while smaller birds may have an easier time with seeds that have been hulled or broken into smaller pieces.

Try offering a small handful on a platform or tray feeder and see who comes to investigate!

This is also a fun activity to do with kids. From scooping out the pumpkin to preparing the seeds and watching for visitors, there's plenty for little nature lovers to get involved in.

Jack-o-lantern, seed, and a chickadee! Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

2. Turn Your Pumpkin Into a Bird Feeder

This might just be our favourite Halloween DIY!

Once you've finished displaying your pumpkin, you can transform a fresh, undecorated one into a temporary bird feeder with very little effort.

Here's how:

1. Cut an opening in the top of your pumpkin and remove the seeds and stringy pulp.

2. If needed, cut the opening a little wider so birds can easily access the food.

3. Add a small amount of your favourite bird food. Unshelled peanuts, sunflower seeds or a WBU No-Mess Blend are all fun options.

4. Place the pumpkin on a stable surface where you can watch your visitors from inside.

You can even spread a little WBU Bark Butter onto the outside of the pumpkin for some extra interest!

Because pumpkins naturally hold moisture, it's best to add only a little food at a time and replace anything that becomes wet or spoiled.

And remember, this is a temporary feeder! Check it daily and compost the pumpkin as soon as it begins to soften, mould or deteriorate.

Important: Only use fresh pumpkins that haven't been painted, bleached, treated with preservatives or decorated with anything that could be harmful to wildlife. Never use a pumpkin with candle wax or soot inside.

Blue Jay at pumpkin feeder. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

3. Who Else Might Join the Pumpkin Party?

Of course, our backyard birds aren't the only ones who might take an interest in your Halloween pumpkins!

Anyone who's ever discovered a squirrel nibbling away at their porch decorations already knows that some wildlife doesn't wait for an invitation. 😂

Squirrels, chipmunks and other backyard critters may happily investigate a fresh pumpkin, nibbling on the flesh or helping themselves to the seeds.

And if you've ever wondered who's been snacking on your jack-o'-lantern overnight, you might just have a few furry visitors to thank!

Whether your pumpkin becomes a bird feeder or an unexpected squirrel snack, it's fun to see who shows up to the party. 🎃

Eastern grey squirrel with a jack-o'-lantern. Photo by Kristen Martyn. 

4. November 1st: It's a Pumpkin Party!

A few years ago, we declared November 1st our very own Pumpkin Party for Wildlife Day, and we think it's a tradition worth bringing back!

After all, we've already purchased the pumpkins, carved the jack-o'-lanterns and enjoyed the Halloween festivities. Why not get a little more fun out of them before they're gone?

Whether you're saving seeds for your backyard birds, making a pumpkin feeder or adding your old decorations to the compost, it's a great opportunity to make Halloween a little more nature-friendly.

And we'd LOVE to see your creations!

If you make a pumpkin bird feeder this year, tag @wbubarrie or @wbu.newmarket in your photos so we can see who's attending your Pumpkin Party. 🎃🐦

Happy Halloween and happy Pumpkin Party!

Warmly,

Heather