This project was built and designed by Clinton from Specific Love Creations.
It’s a straightforward feeder made from a single cedar fence picket or scrap lumber, with a hinged roof for easy refilling and cleaning.
The design is durable, weather-resistant, and beginner-friendly, making it a great weekend project for anyone who enjoys woodworking and backyard wildlife.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel:
Why This Bird Feeder Design Works
This feeder combines a low front opening for easy bird access with a sloped roof that shelters the seed from rain.
The open tray is surrounded by a shallow trim to keep seed in place while still allowing birds to perch comfortably.
Cedar is a smart choice for outdoor feeders because it naturally resists rot. This means the feeder can withstand the elements without chemical treatments that might harm birds.
Materials and Basic Layout
The entire build can be made from one cedar fence picket or equivalent scrap wood. The layout includes a square base, two taller side walls, two shorter front and back walls, and two roof panels that meet at a peak.
One roof panel is fixed, and the other is attached with hinges. This allows the top to lift for quick refills and easy cleaning.
Preparing the Wood
Clinton starts by selecting boards with minimal warping and trimming the edges for clean fits. The base and wall pieces are cut to size, with the side walls taller than the front and back to accommodate the sloped roof.
The roof panels are cut wide enough to create an overhang on all sides, providing extra protection from rain. The top edges of the side walls are beveled to match the roof pitch.
Shaping the Roof and Walls
The taller side walls help define the feeder’s silhouette and give the roof structure. The shorter front wall creates an open feeding area, while the back wall provides stability and helps contain seed.
The roof panels are cut to the same angle so they meet neatly at the peak. Testing their fit before assembly ensures they align evenly.
Assembly and Joinery
The base is the foundation, with all four walls attached around it. Exterior-grade glue and small finish nails or brads secure the parts in place.
The glue ensures a strong, weather-resistant bond, while nails keep everything aligned while drying.
A narrow trim is added around the seed tray to prevent spillage. These strips are cut proportionally to match the feeder’s overall look.
Adding the Hinged Roof
One roof panel is attached permanently, and the other is fastened with small outdoor-rated hinges so it can swing open. The hinges are positioned so the roof clears the side walls when lifted.
This simple feature makes it easy to refill the feeder and clean out old seed without dismantling the structure.
Mounting and Placement
The feeder can be mounted in several ways:
- Post-mounted with a flange and secured in the ground.
- Hanging from a branch or hook with galvanized wire or chain.
- Pole-mounted using a pipe and flange for a tidy, elevated look.
For best results, place the feeder near cover like trees or shrubs, but in a location that’s visible and safe from predators.
Finishing Options
Leaving cedar unfinished gives a natural, rustic look that weathers nicely. For extra weather protection, an exterior-grade finish can be applied—just ensure it’s bird-safe.
Optional enhancements include adding metal flashing to the roof for durability, using clear side panels to monitor seed levels, or adjusting dimensions to suit different bird species.
Practical Tips
Clinton shares several helpful tips for outdoor builds:
- Minor size variations are fine—precision to the fraction of an inch isn’t necessary.
- Slight gaps can aid ventilation and drainage.
- Use corrosion-resistant fasteners to avoid rust stains.
- Allow glue to cure fully before hanging or mounting.
Affordable, Sustainable, and Functional
Using a single board or leftover scraps makes this project cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
It’s also a great way to practice cutting, assembly, and small-scale joinery without complex tools.
The feeder’s simple yet effective design makes it a welcome addition to any yard, attracting a variety of small birds while standing up to the elements.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Clinton’s channel: