Nothing brings a garden to life quite like the cheerful melodies of wild birds. Creating your own bird feeders is not only fun but also provides our feathered friends with much-needed nourishment throughout the year.
With just a few simple materials and a little creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a bird paradise that will have you reaching for your binoculars every morning.
1. Pine Cone Delight
Gather pine cones during your next nature walk for this super simple project. Roll them in a mixture of peanut butter and birdseed, then hang with natural twine.
The sticky peanut butter acts as both glue and nutritious treat. Birds particularly love these in winter when food sources become scarce.
2. Recycled Bottle Buffet
Yesterday’s soda bottle becomes tomorrow’s bird restaurant! Cut small openings near the bottom, insert wooden spoons or dowels as perches, and fill with seed.
Make sure to drill drainage holes to prevent mold. The clear plastic lets you easily monitor seed levels so you’ll know exactly when to refill.
3. Teacup Treasure
Vintage teacups from thrift stores create charming feeders that add whimsy to any garden. Secure the cup to its saucer with waterproof glue, then attach ribbon or chain for hanging.
The saucer catches seed spillage, reducing waste. Smaller songbirds like finches particularly enjoy these dainty dining spots.
4. Orange Cup Feeder
Brighten your garden with this citrusy creation! Cut an orange in half, scoop out the fruit for your own snack, and punch holes for hanging string.
Fill with birdseed and watch orioles and tanagers flock to the colorful treat. The natural orange scent adds an attractive element that certain species find irresistible.
5. Cookie Cutter Seed Shapes
Mix 3/4 cup birdseed with 1 tablespoon gelatin and 1/4 cup water. Press into cookie cutters, poke holes for hanging, then let dry overnight.
Pop them out and hang with colorful ribbon! These seed ornaments slowly dissolve, providing days of feeding. Stars and hearts make especially festive winter garden decorations.
6. Mason Jar Marvel
Grab a mason jar, attach a chicken feeder base (available at farm supply stores), and you’ve got a stylish, functional feeder! The glass jar makes seed visible from all angles.
Mount on a post or hang from a shepherd’s hook. The controlled dispensing system prevents seed waste and keeps the food supply fresh longer.
7. Wooden Spoon Feeding Station
Wooden spoons from your kitchen create perfect little feeding platforms!
The bowl-shaped spoon ends hold different types of seeds or fruits. Hang this sunburst-style feeder where you can watch the birds flit between the various offerings.
8. Lego Block Feeder
Found a box of old Legos? Create a colorful feeder kids will love making! Build a simple box with an open top using larger pieces, then add a roof overhang to protect seeds from rain.
Glue the finished construction together for permanence. The bright colors attract curious birds and add a playful touch to your garden.
9. Terracotta Saucer Stack
Stack different-sized terracotta saucers alternating with short lengths of dowel. Thread them onto a central threaded rod secured to a base saucer filled with drainage rocks.
Each level offers different seeds or treats. The earthy tones blend beautifully with garden settings while providing multiple feeding stations in a small footprint.
10. Wine Bottle Wonder
Empty wine bottles transform into elegant feeders with special bird feeder hardware kits (found online). The bottle provides weather protection while dispensing seed through small ports.
Green or blue bottles create jewel-like garden accents. Mount horizontally on a fence or hang from sturdy branches for an eco-friendly feeder that’s also a conversation piece.