This project is by Lou from the channel HowToLou. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a clever and eco-friendly bird feeder using a wine bottle and some basic woodworking skills.
Not only is this project budget-friendly, but it also allows you to recycle an old bottle while adding charm to your garden.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start building your bird feeder, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- One empty wine bottle
- Wood board (for the feeder structure)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Nails
- Zip ties (for stabilization)
- Drill
- Bird seed
Make sure to have a clean workspace where you can safely work on your project.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood
The first step in constructing your bird feeder is to measure and cut your wood pieces. You’ll want to create a base, sides, and a roof for your feeder. Start by marking where you want the top of the feeder to be.
Draw a line to indicate the height for the wine bottle placement. The bottle should be positioned about an inch and a half down from the top of the feeder. After marking, cut the wood accordingly to create the bottom and side pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the Feeder Structure
Once your wood pieces are cut, it’s time to assemble the feeder. Start by gluing and nailing the pieces together. The structure should include a back, bottom, and sides that will hold the bottle in place.
Ensure that everything is securely fastened. After assembling the structure, place the wine bottle in the bottom section to trace around it, which will help you know where to drill holes for the screws.
Step 4: Secure the Wine Bottle
Next, it’s crucial to secure the wine bottle correctly. You’ll need to put screws into the wood in a formation that will hold the bottle firmly. This ensures the bottle won’t slip out when filled with bird seed.
After placing the screws, add one more at the top of the bottle to keep it in place. This screw should go all the way down to ensure a snug fit. The mouth of the bottle should be about an inch off the base of the feeder.
Step 5: Stabilize the Feeder
To prevent the bottle from wobbling, you’ll need to add stabilizer screws on the sides. Two screws on either side of the bottle should do the trick. This step is essential for ensuring that the feeder remains stable while birds are feeding.
If you notice that the taller screws are moving, you can secure them together using zip ties. This will help maintain the integrity of the structure and keep everything in place.
Step 6: Prepare for Mounting
Now that the feeder is assembled and stabilized, it’s time to prepare it for mounting. If you want to hang the feeder from a tree, you can simply attach a hook to the top. However, if you’re mounting it on a fence, you’ll need to drill a hole into the wood where you want to attach it.
Step 7: Fill the Feeder with Bird Seed
With your feeder securely mounted, it’s time to fill it with bird seed. Make sure to fill the bottom of the feeder as well, so as the birds eat, the seed will fall down from the bottle into the feeder.
Step 8: Assemble the Final Setup
Finally, set the bottle down on the screws and snap it into place. The design will allow the seed to flow down as the birds feed, ensuring that they always have access to food.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Bird Feeder
Your DIY wine bottle bird feeder is now complete! Hang it in your garden or on your fence, and watch as birds come to enjoy their new feeding station. This project not only helps the birds but also adds a unique element to your outdoor space.
Conclusion
Creating a wine bottle bird feeder is a fantastic way to recycle and provide for local wildlife. With just a few materials and some simple woodworking, you can build a functional and attractive feeder that will bring joy to your backyard. Thank you, Lou, for sharing this wonderful project!