As there are a lot of bird spotters among my friends and family, I’ve had quite some appeals for knitted birds. So I’ve taken up the venture of cloning different species in a knitted collection. Creating these North American favorites has been an especially thankful task in these times of social distancing.
These birds make great, colorful hanging ornaments. Or squirrel them away in your house and embark on an in-house bird-watching adventure!

There are six birds included in this pattern: the northern cardinal, pileated woodpecker, blue jay, bluebird, American goldfinch and the bald eagle. Each bird is a small, easy project, that can be finished in an evening or so and is a great project to use up any scraps you have lying around.

These forest birds were knitted on 2.25 mm double pointed needles (UK 13, US 1). The tiny beaks were knitted on 1 mm double pointed needles, in yarn of a lace gauge. but can also be done in a heavier yarn or a scrap of felt. Knitting the birds asks for some intarsia color work and knitting stripes, short rows and loop stitches (described in the pattern).

Stay safe, stay healthy and enjoy your knit and in-house bird watching tour!
Knit love, Viv