Bird watching is a fun and rewarding hobby, and it's easy to attract birds to your yard by providing them with food. Making your own bird feeder is a fun and affordable way to do so. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for creating your own DIY bird feeders that your feathered friends will love.
Materials for DIY Bird Feeders
The materials needed for making your own bird feeder vary depending on your desired design, but some basic items you'll need are:
- A container or holder for birdseed
- A perch or landing area for the birds
- An opening for the bird food to come out
- Basic tools such as scissors, a drill, and glue
You can also use recycled materials to make your DIY bird feeders. For example, an old teacup or an old plastic bottle can be repurposed as a bird feeder.
Simple DIY Bird Feeder Ideas
1. Cup and saucer bird feeder: For this project, glue a small teacup onto a saucer to create a bird feeder that'll make your yard look charming. Fill the cup with birdseed and wait for your feathered friends to arrive.
2. Plastic bottle bird feeder: This is a perfect project for beginners. Firstly, you need to cut some openings on the side of the bottle so the birds can access the seeds. Then, make some small holes under the bottle cap, and thread the string through so you can hang the feeder. Fill it up with birdseed and enjoy the view.
3. Log bird feeder: If you have an old log or a piece of wood lying around your yard, consider turning it into a bird feeder. Drill some holes into the side of the log, add some perches, and fill it up with birdseed.
4. CD bird feeder: Everyone has old CDs lying around that they don't use anymore. Why not turn them into a bird feeder? Drill some holes along the outer edge of the CD, tie a string through the middle hole, and fill the center with birdseed. Your feathered friends will love the metallic shining effect of the CDs.
Tips for Successful Bird Feeding
1. Place your DIY bird feeder in an area with good visibility for you and safety for the birds.
2. Keep your bird feeders clean and filled. Birds will return to feeders that are reliable sources of food.
3. Experiment with different locations and types of feeders to see which ones attract different kinds of birds.
4. Avoid feeding birds with moldy or spoiled food. Make sure to use fresh, dry seed.
5. Use a squirrel guard to protect your bird feeders. Squirrels can be crafty and often take advantage of birdseed.