Bird watching is a popular hobby that provides relaxation and entertainment for nature enthusiasts. Creating a welcoming environment for birds to visit and feed not only enhances the beauty of your backyard but also benefits the local bird population. The process of attracting birds with bird feeders can be easy and enjoyable with these DIY bird feeder ideas.
Choosing the right bird feeder
Before starting your DIY bird feeder project, it’s important to understand the types of bird feeders available and the factors to consider when selecting one. There are several types of bird feeders to choose from, including platform, hopper, tube, and suet feeders. Each type of feeder attracts different types of birds and dispenses different types of bird feed.
When selecting a bird feeder, it’s also important to consider its capacity and placement. A larger bird feeder may be more suitable if you live in an area with a variety of bird species, while a smaller feeder may be sufficient if you’re only looking to attract a specific type of bird. The placement of the bird feeder is also crucial because you want it to be visible and safe for the birds.
DIY bird feeder ideas
Crafting DIY bird feeders is a fun and easy way to attract birds to your backyard. Here are a few DIY bird feeder ideas that are simple and affordable to create.
Bottle bird feeder: One of the easiest and most affordable DIY bird feeders is the bottle bird feeder. To make a bottle bird feeder, you’ll need an empty plastic bottle, string or wire, and bird seed. First, wash and dry the bottle. Next, use a sharp object to poke two small holes on opposite sides of the bottle near the top. Then, thread the string or wire through the holes and tie a knot at the top. Fill the bottle with birdseed, and hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook.
Tray bird feeder: A tray bird feeder is another simple and effective way to attract birds. To make a tray bird feeder, you’ll need a shallow tray or plate, string or wire, and bird seed. Simply tie the string or wire around the tray or plate and hang it from a tree branch or hook. Fill the tray with birdseed, and watch as the birds come to feast.
Mason jar bird feeder: A mason jar bird feeder is a creative and stylish way to attract birds to your backyard. To make a mason jar bird feeder, you’ll need a mason jar, a metal ring, a small dish, and birdseed. First, place the small dish upside down on top of the metal ring. Then, screw the metal ring onto the mason jar, creating a secure base for the bird feeder. Fill the mason jar with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch or hook.
Milk carton bird feeder: A milk carton bird feeder is an eco-friendly and straightforward way to create a bird feeder. To make a milk carton bird feeder, you’ll need an empty milk carton, string or wire, and birdseed. First, clean and dry the milk carton before cutting two holes near the top (one on the front and one on the back). Then, thread the string or wire through the holes and tie a knot at the top. Finally, fill the milk carton with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch or hook.
Materials and tools needed for DIY bird feeders
The materials and tools required for DIY bird feeders are affordable and easy to find. Common materials include plastic bottles, mason jars, milk cartons, shallow trays or plates, wire, string or twine, and birdseed. To construct the bird feeders, you’ll need a craft knife or scissors, a hole punch, drill or awl, and pliers.
Step-by-step instructions for each DIY bird feeder idea
Creating a DIY bird feeder requires a few simple steps. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to make each type of DIY bird feeder mentioned above:
Bottle bird feeder:
1. Clean and dry an empty plastic bottle.
2. Using a craft knife or scissors, cut two small holes on opposite sides of the bottle near the top.
3. Thread the string or wire through the holes and tie a knot at the top.
4. Fill the bottle with birdseed.
5. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook.
Tray bird feeder:
1. Find a shallow tray or plate.
2. Using a hole punch or awl, make a hole near each corner of the tray or plate.
3. Thread the string or wire through the holes and tie a knot at the top.
4. Fill the tray with birdseed.
5. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook.
Mason jar bird feeder:
1. Prepare a mason jar, a metal ring, and a small dish.
2. Place the small dish upside down on top of the metal ring.
3. Screw the metal ring onto the mason jar to create a base.
4. Fill the mason jar with birdseed.
5. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook.
Milk carton bird feeder:
1. Clean and dry an empty milk carton.
2. Cut two holes near the top (one on the front and one on the back) using a craft knife or scissors.
3. Thread the string or wire through the holes and tie a knot at the top.
4. Fill the milk carton with birdseed.
5. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook.
Tips for maintaining bird feeders:
One of the essential aspects of bird feeding is maintaining the bird feeders. Keeping the bird feeders clean and regularly filled will attract more birds and help to reduce the risk of disease. To maintain your bird feeders, clean them regularly with soapy water and rinse well. Also, be sure to remove leftover food and refill the bird feeders when needed. Keeping a routine of cleaning and replenishing food will provide a safe and healthy environment for birds.
Creating a welcoming haven for birds in your backyard is an enjoyable and satisfying experience. With these DIY bird feeder ideas, you can attract a range of birds and enhance the beauty of your backyard. Choose the right bird feeders, gather materials and tools, and create your DIY bird feeder using the detailed instructions. By following proper maintenance techniques, you can watch and enjoy the bird population as they visit your backyard.
