Birds bring life, color, and beautiful melodies to our gardens. One of the best ways to attract them is by setting up bird feeders. Here are 15 DIY bird feeder ideas that you can make easily and will surely make your garden a haven for our feathered friends.
1. Plastic Bottle Feeder
Take a large plastic bottle (like a 2 – liter soda bottle). Cut a hole on each side of the bottle, big enough for birds to access. Make small holes near the top for a string or wire to hang it. Fill the bottom with birdseed, and you have a simple and cost – effective feeder. You can decorate the bottle with non – toxic paint to make it more appealing.
2. Pinecone Feeder
Collect some large pinecones. Tie a string around the top of the pinecone. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, and then roll it in birdseed. Hang the pinecone from a tree branch. The sticky peanut butter will hold the seed, and birds will love pecking at it.
3. Milk Carton Feeder
Rinse out an empty milk carton. Cut a large window on one side, leaving enough space at the top for hanging. Poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the carton with birdseed and hang it in your garden. You can also paint the carton to make it more colorful.
4. Log Feeder
Find a small log or a piece of thick branch. Drill several holes in it, about an inch or two deep. Fill these holes with birdseed. You can attach the log to a post or hang it horizontally using wire. This feeder gives a natural look and is great for larger birds.
5. Mason Jar Feeder
Take a mason jar and make a small hole in the lid. Insert a wooden dowel or a small stick through the hole. Fill the jar with birdseed. Hang the jar by its lid or attach it to a platform. The birds can perch on the dowel and eat from the jar.
6. Orange Half Feeder
Cut an orange in half and scoop out the fruit. Make two small holes on opposite sides of the orange peel near the top. Thread a string through the holes and tie it. Fill the orange half with a mixture of suet and birdseed. Hang it in your garden. The bright color of the orange will attract birds, and the suet will provide energy.
7. Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
Flatten several toilet paper rolls. Cut small triangles on one side of each roll to make openings for the birds. Tie the rolls together with string or twine. Fill the rolls with birdseed and hang them from a branch. You can make a bunch of these and create a unique feeder display.
8. Gourd Feeder
If you grow gourds, dry them thoroughly. Cut a hole in the gourd big enough for birds to enter. Make a small hole at the top for hanging. Fill the gourd with birdseed. The natural shape of the gourd makes for an interesting feeder.
9. Tin Can Feeder
Use an empty tin can (like a soup can). Make sure to remove any sharp edges. Punch holes around the top of the can for a wire to pass through for hanging. Make a small opening on the side for the birds. Fill the can with birdseed and decorate it with colorful paper or paint.
10. Window Feeder
Cut a piece of clear plastic or Plexiglas to fit your window. Attach suction cups to the corners. Make a small tray out of cardboard or plastic and attach it to the bottom of the plastic piece. Fill the tray with birdseed. This feeder allows you to watch the birds up close from inside your house.
11. Hanging Basket Feeder
Take an old hanging basket. Line it with a piece of mesh or burlap. Fill the basket with birdseed and place some small branches or twigs inside for perching. Hang the basket in a tree or on a porch. The open design of the basket makes it accessible to many different types of birds.
12. CD Feeder
Use an old CD or DVD. Drill a small hole in the center. Thread a string through the hole and tie a knot. Spread peanut butter on the shiny side of the CD and sprinkle birdseed on it. Hang the CD in your garden. The reflective surface of the CD can also attract birds.
13. Wooden Box Feeder
Build a small wooden box with a sloping roof. Make a few small holes in the front for the birds to access. Fill the box with birdseed. You can paint the box or leave it natural. Place it on a post or hang it from a tree.
14. Strawberry Basket Feeder
Reuse an old strawberry basket. Tie a string to the handle. Fill the basket with birdseed. The holes in the basket allow the birds to easily access the food. You can also add some additional perches if needed.
15. Recycled Cup Feeder
Take a few disposable plastic cups. Make a small hole in the bottom of each cup and connect them with a string or wire. Fill the cups with birdseed. Hang the string of cups in your garden. This is a great way to recycle old cups and create a unique feeder.
By making these DIY bird feeders, you can not only provide food for the birds but also add a charming and personalized touch to your garden. Watching the different species of birds that come to visit your feeders will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.