DIY Bird Feeders: An Easy-to-Follow Guide

Bird watching is a delightful pastime that brings us closer to nature. One of the best ways to attract birds to your yard is by offering them food, and what better way to do so than with homemade bird feeders? In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll explore various DIY bird feeder ideas that are simple to make and will provide endless enjoyment for both you and your avian visitors.

Classic Seed Feeder

A classic seed feeder is a staple among bird lover gifts and is also super easy to make. To make one, simply find a clean, empty plastic bottle and decorate the outside as you wish. Stick a wooden spoon or two through the bottle (make sure birdseed can spill a little into the curvature of the spoons. The handles can stick out as perches. Then attach a perch or two more to the sides using twigs or little wooden rods using hot glue or wire. Finally, fill your seed feeder with bird seed and punch a hole in the bottle cap and thread a piece of twine through it for hanging. If you want to make your bird feeders squirrel proof, consider hanging them from greased shepherd hooks or poles.

Pinecone Treats

For a fun and natural bird feeder, gather clean pinecones from your yard or local park and tie a piece of twine around the top for hanging. Then, spread peanut butter or suet on the pinecone and roll it in birdseed until fully coated. Hang your pinecone treats from a tree branch or near birdhouses and watch as the birds flock to enjoy their tasty snack.

Orange Cup Feeder

Repurpose orange halves into charming bird feeders by scooping out the fruit and filling the hollowed-out halves with birdseed. Use a wooden skewer or twig to create perches for the birds, then hang the orange cup feeders from branches or hooks using twine or string.

Cookie Cutter Feeders

Get creative with cookie cutter bird feeders by using metal cookie cutters to shape suet or birdseed treats. Simply press the cookie cutter into a mixture of melted suet and birdseed, then allow it to cool and harden before removing the cutter. Attach a piece of twine or string for hanging and watch as birds enjoy their unique-shaped treats.

Milk Carton Feeder

Transform an empty milk carton into a functional bird feeder by cutting out windows on opposite sides and punching holes near the top for hanging. Fill the carton with birdseed, then close the top and secure it with staples. Add perches by gluing small wooden dowels or sticks below the windows, and hang your feeder from a tree branch using twine or wire.

Bagel Feeder

Give stale bagels a new lease on life by turning them into bird feeders. Simply spread peanut butter or suet on a halved bagel, then sprinkle birdseed on top. Thread a piece of twine through the hole in the bagel and tie it securely, then hang your bagel feeder from a tree branch or hook.

Teacup Feeder

Add a touch of vintage charm to your backyard with teacup bird feeders. Secure a teacup and saucer together using waterproof adhesive or epoxy, then fill the cup with birdseed. Attach a metal spoon or fork to the saucer as a perch, and hang your teacup feeder from a hook or tree branch using twine or wire.

Terra Cotta Pot Feeder

Turn a small terra cotta pot into a charming bird feeder by painting it in bright colors and adding a saucer to the bottom for seed. Drill a hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage, then insert a wooden dowel or stick through the drainage hole to create a perch. Hang your terra cotta pot feeder from a tree branch using twine or wire.

Final Thoughts

With these DIY bird feeder ideas, you can attract a variety of bird species to your backyard while adding a touch of creativity and charm to your outdoor space. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner DIY enthusiast, these projects are simple, fun, and rewarding.