A version of this article was published in the Watershed Sentinel, Western Canada’s award-winning environmental news magazine.
Dawoodi Bohras Children in Vancouver made bird feeders for environmental conservation
In January 2025, children of the Dawoodi Bohra community of Vancouver dedicated a weekend to building bird feeders. This activity was part of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s global movement to promote conservation of indigenous bird species by installing bird feeders in their homes.
The Vancouver community has long championed environmental initiatives, from tree planting to city garbage cleanups. This time, the youngest members took the lead for wildlife and environmental conservation. “Hands-on projects like this teach children about nature, birds, and the environment in a fun and engaging way,” said Ahmed Medina, an organizer involved in the initiative.
Turning Everyday Items into Bird Havens
Using recycled materials, children turned plastic bottles into feeders, painted milk cartons into shelters, and in a remarkable display of ingenuity, Zahra Adamali, 9, constructed a feeder entirely out of LEGO bricks. “She used a lot of problem-solving, fine motor skills, creativity, and critical thinking,” said her mother, Fatema Adamali. Zahra even added a LEGO figurine to the top.
Four-year-old Mohammed Taher Adamali, inspired by Arctic wildlife, transformed a coffee creamer carton into a penguin-themed feeder. Meanwhile, Burhanuddin Kapasi, 5, crafted a traditional bird feeder from a recycled water bottle. “Watching him design and build something from scratch was inspiring—it reminded me how powerful hands-on learning can be,” commented his mother, Mariyam Kapasi.
Discovering the Wonders of Local Vancouver Wildlife
The project deepened the children’s appreciation for nature as they eagerly identified local birds like Spotted Towhees and Northern Flickers. Zainab Mantri noted how her children, Qasim, 12, and Zahra, 8, became more mindful of wildlife, watching and recognizing species daily. “They watch the birds every day and even recognize different species now.”
“Seeing birds use my feeder was my favorite part,” shared Sarrah Shakir, 12, while her brother, Ammar, 6, marveled at the mechanics of seed distribution, where the feeder had to be filled to a certain level for birds to properly sit while eating.
Learning, Laughing, and Building Together
Beyond the lessons in sustainability and wildlife, the initiative nurtured teamwork, problem-solving, and a sense of stewardship. By the end, the children weren’t just crafters of bird feeders—they became environmental stewards, artists, and inventors. Watching birds flock to their handmade creations reinforced the power of small actions.
Burhani Foundation, the community’s global environmental arm, has championed such initiatives for wildlife and previously set the Guinness World Record for distributing the largest number of bird-feeders in a single day as part of its campaign in 2011.