As the days grow longer and nature awakens, it’s the perfect time to add a handmade touch to your garden with a wooden bird feeder.
This project not only enhances your outdoor space but also provides a valuable resource for local birds.
Here’s how to create your own:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Durable, weather-resistant wood (e.g., cedar or redwood)
- Weather-resistant screws or outdoor wood glue
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw (hand saw, jigsaw, or circular saw)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Non-toxic, outdoor-grade finish
- Rope or chain for hanging
- Measuring tape and pencil
Instructions:
- Design Planning: Decide whether you want a simple platform feeder, which is easy to make and clean, or a house-style feeder with a roof to protect the seed. Sketch your design with dimensions.
- Cutting Your Wood: Based on your design, cut the wood to size. For a platform feeder, you’ll need a base and possibly a frame. For a house-style feeder, cut pieces for the sides, base, and roof.
- Drilling Drainage Holes: Drill small holes in the base to allow water to drain, keeping the birdseed dry.
- Assembly: Assemble your feeder using deck screws or wood glue. If you’re building a house-style feeder, consider attaching the roof with hinges for easy access.
- Sanding: Sand all surfaces smooth to ensure it’s safe for birds and has a finished look.
- Finishing: Apply a non-toxic, outdoor-grade finish to protect the wood from the elements and extend the feeder’s life.
- Adding a Hanging Mechanism: Secure a rope or chain to your feeder. Ensure it’s strong enough to support the feeder’s weight plus the birds.
- Hanging Your Feeder: Choose a spot in your garden where you can easily see and enjoy the birds. Hang the feeder from a branch or a hook.
- Maintenance: Regularly clean and refill your feeder to keep the birds coming back.
Video:
Here is a good video on making a bird feeder:
Conclusion:
Creating a wooden bird feeder is a delightful project that brings a piece of nature closer to your home. It’s a simple way to practice woodworking skills, support local wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of spring. Hang your feeder, fill it with seeds, and watch as your garden becomes a hub of avian activity.