9 Easy DIY Bird Feeders to Bring More Beautiful Birds to Your Yard
Adding a bird feeder is one of the best ways to get chirping birds in your garden. They are easy to make and attract all kinds of wildlife to your garden without trying too hard.
1. Log Suet Bird Feeder
This is a great way to keep the rustic feel of your garden and still attract a few flying friends. Find a piece of wood sturdy enough to drill into but not too heavy. Drill 1.5-inch holes in the wood and fill them with homemade suet (made from rendered fat, birdseed, and oats). Attach a chain for hanging and add a small perch for birds to land on.
2. Pine Cone Bird Feeder
This is a simple bird feeder design that can be made quickly. Find a pine cone or two, attach a string, roll it in peanut butter, and roll it in birdseed. Tie your string to the pine cone before adding the peanut butter to avoid extra messiness. It’s an excellent project for kids, too.
3. Apple Bird Feeder
If you’re looking to add a bit of freshness to your feeder, apples are a great way of doing that. There are a few simple ways to use apples as a bird feeder. You can core your apple, fill it with birdseed, put sticks through the bottom as a perch, and hang it up. Another option is to cut thick apple slices, dip them in peanut butter, and roll them in seeds. Then, you can hang these up and wait for birds to come your way.
4. Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
Plastic bottles can make for great bird feeders. It’s one of the best ways to reuse your trash. Cut small holes in a recycled plastic bottle to create seed dispensers. Drill drainage holes in the base, fill them with birdseed and hang them using a string tied around the neck.
5. Wooden Bowl Bird Feeder
Wooden bowls make great bird feeders because they can withstand the forces of nature for a long time. Drill a few holes in the top of your bowl and attach string to it. Fill the bowl with different types of feed and watch the birds flock your way.
6. Cookie Cutter Seed Feeders
These seed feeders are an excellent idea for a quick, long-lasting feeder you can hang in your garden. Mix birdseed with corn syrup, press into cookie cutters, and let harden overnight. Once they’ve dried, you can hang them in your garden with a piece of twine. This is a great project to do with your toddler, too!
7. Tea Cup Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for something a little bit more delicate, these cup feeders are a great option. I wouldn’t suggest using your best fine china, but an old cup and saucer will do the trick. Make sure to work gently so the saucer doesn’t break when you’re working with it.
8. Wine Bottle Bird Feeder
This is a great way to upcycle a wine bottle and put it to good use. Attach a wire or string to the top of the wine bottle, remove the bottom of the bottle, and attach it to a wooden or saucer base. Now, you can fill the wine bottle with birdseed and use it as a dispenser. You’ll have birds flocking to your garden in no time.
9. Toilet Paper Roll Suet Feeder
Coat a cardboard tube with suet or lard, roll it in birdseed, and insert skewers as perches. Hang with twine for a mess-free feeder that attracts bluejays and cardinals. This is a simple way to attract birds without wasting time or effort.
References:
15 DIY Bird Feeders That Will Help Fill Your Garden with Bird Song
45 DIY Bird Feeder Ideas Anyone Can Recreate
10 Types of Bird Feeders You Need in Your Backyard