How to Build a DIY Bird Feeder for Your Garden

Creating a bird feeder for your garden can be a fun and rewarding project, especially if you involve your kids. Not only does it provide a source of nourishment for birds, but it also offers a great way to observe and enjoy wildlife from the comfort of your home. This guide will walk you through several easy and eco-friendly bird feeder projects that you can make with materials you likely already have at home.

TLDR

1. Muffin Bird Feeders: Use stale muffins or bread, peanut butter, and birdseed.
2. Pinecone Bird Feeders: Pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed.
3. Log Suet Bird Feeders: A log, suet mixture, and birdseed.
4. Birdseed Wreath Feeders: Gelatin, flour, corn syrup, and birdseed.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Muffin Bird Feeders

Ingredients

• Stale muffins or bread
• Peanut butter
• Birdseed
• String

Instructions

1. Prepare the Muffins: If you have stale muffins or bread, these can be repurposed into bird feeders. Simply cut them into manageable pieces if they are too large.
2. Apply Peanut Butter: Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over the muffins or bread pieces. This will act as the adhesive for the birdseed.
3. Roll in Birdseed: Roll the peanut butter-coated muffins in birdseed until they are well-covered.
4. Add String: Tie a piece of string around each muffin so you can hang them from tree branches or hooks.
5. Hang and Enjoy: Hang your muffin bird feeders in your garden and watch the birds flock to them.

2. Pinecone Bird Feeders

Ingredients

• Pinecones
• String
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons shortening or butter
• 2-3 cups birdseed

Instructions

1. Collect Pinecones: Go on a nature walk to gather pinecones. Look for ones that are open and have a good shape.
2. Prepare the Pinecones: If your pinecones are closed, you can microwave them for 30 seconds at a time until they open up.
3. Tie String: Tie 6-8 inches of string to the tip of each pinecone.
4. Melt Peanut Butter and Butter: Melt the peanut butter and shortening together until runny. Allow it to cool slightly if it's too hot for little fingers.
5. Dip Pinecones: Dip the pinecones into the peanut butter mixture until they are completely covered.
6. Roll in Birdseed: Roll the coated pinecones thoroughly in birdseed.
7. Hang: Hang the pinecones in nearby trees and bushes.

3. Log Suet Bird Feeders

Ingredients

• A log (4 inches in diameter and 12-18 inches long)
• 1.5-inch drill bit
• 12-inch length of chain
• Suet mixture (birdseed, rolled oats, and fat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Log: Take a log about 4 inches in diameter and 12-18 inches long. Drill holes into the log, about 1.5 inches deep, using a 1.5-inch drill bit.
2. Add Chain: Nail a 12-inch length of chain into the top of the log for hanging.
3. Prepare Suet Mixture: Mix birdseed and rolled oats with melted fat (lard, vegetable shortening, or rendered fat from cooking).
4. Fill Holes: Press the suet mixture into the holes on the log.
5. Hang: Hang the log suet feeder in a tree.

4. Birdseed Wreath Feeders

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup
• 4 cups birdseed

Instructions

1. Dissolve Gelatin: Stir together the hot water and gelatin until dissolved.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add the flour and corn syrup to the gelatin mixture to form a sticky paste, then add the birdseed.
3. Shape Wreath: Press the mixture into a well-greased bundt or tube pan.
4. Dry: Allow the feeder to dry for at least 24 hours. Flip it out of the pan onto a drying rack to finish hardening.
5. Hang: Tie a scrap of burlap around the wreath and hang it out for the birds.

Good Practices and Tips

• Eco-friendly Materials: Use biodegradable materials whenever possible to minimize environmental impact.
• Supervision: Always supervise children during these projects to ensure safety.
• Placement: Hang feeders in safe locations where birds can easily access them but are protected from predators.
• Maintenance: Regularly check and refill feeders to keep birds coming back.

Author's Personal Thoughts

Making bird feeders is a delightful way to connect with nature and teach kids about wildlife. It’s a simple yet impactful activity that brings joy to both the makers and the birds. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time outdoors with family.

References

• Easy and Eco-friendly Bird Feeders to Make with Kids

Tags

• diy
• bird feeders
• eco-friendly
• gardening
• family activities