DIY Bird Feeder Ideas for Your Garden

Lisa Steadman

· 6 min read
DIY Bird Feeder Ideas for Your Garden

1. Don't Throw That Bottle Away! Upcycled Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

2. Mason Jar Magic: Glass Jar Bird Feeder

There's no need to contribute to your local landfill when you can transform your old plastic bottles into charming bird feeders. Not only will this simple DIY save you money, but it'll also help save the environment.

Materials:

  • Empty and clean plastic bottle (2-liter recommended)
  • Wooden spoon or a sturdy stick
  • String or twine
  • Birdseed

Procedure:

  1. Drill or cut holes large enough for birds to access the seeds (avoid sharp edges) in the plastic bottle.
  2. Make a hole slightly below the feeding holes to insert your wooden spoon or stick as a perch.
  3. Fill the bottle with birdseed.
  4. Securely tie the string around the neck of the bottle and hang it from a tree branch or hook.

Benefits:

  • Sustainable
  • Cost-effective
  • Versatile

Find more designs and details on upcycled plastic bottle bird feeders at The Spruce.

3. Wooden Wonders: Pallet Wood Bird Feeder

Turn your mason jar collection into a set of enchanting bird feeders that bring character to your backyard sanctuary.

Materials:

  • Mason jar (or other clear glass jars)
  • Metal or plastic wire mesh
  • String or twine
  • Birdseed

Procedure:

  1. Cut a piece of metal or plastic wire mesh to fit the mouth of the jar.
  2. Fill the jar with birdseed and secure the mesh on the jar using an elastic band.
  3. Invert the jar, attaching string or twine to hang the feeder.

Benefits:

  • Aesthetic charm
  • Easy to monitor seed levels
  • Easy to clean

Check out the full how-to guide for the Mason Jar Bird Feeder from Country Living.

4. Teacup Treasure: Dainty Teacup Bird Feeder

Transform wooden pallets into functional works of art for our feathered friends.

Materials:

  • Wooden pallets
  • Nails or screws
  • Hand saw
  • Hammer or screwdriver
  • Paint (optional)
  • Birdseed

Procedure:

  1. Plan your bird feeder design and measure the dimensions.
  2. Disassemble the pallets and carefully remove any nails.
  3. Cut the pieces for your bird feeder and assemble using nails or screws.
  4. Paint or stain the bird feeder as desired (optional).
  5. Add birdseed and hang or mount the feeder.

Benefits:

  • Rustic appeal
  • Sturdiness
  • Durability

For more detailed pallet wood bird feeder ideas and instructions, visit DIY and Crafts.

5. Go Nuts! Pinecone Bird Feeder

5-go-nuts-pinecone-bird-feeder
5. Go Nuts! Pinecone Bird Feeder

Add a touch of elegance to your garden with this charming teacup bird feeder – perfect for small garden spaces or even balconies.

Materials:

  • Teacup and saucer
  • Strong adhesive (waterproof)
  • String or twine
  • Birdseed

Procedure:

  1. Adhere the teacup to the saucer (tilted to the side) with waterproof adhesive.
  2. Glue the string or twine to the bottom of the saucer.
  3. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.
  4. Fill the teacup with birdseed and hang the feeder.

Benefits:

  • Unique design
  • Quick project
  • Great for small spaces

Discover more delightful teacup bird feeder ideas at Gardener's Path.

6. Candy Store, Anyone? Gumball Machine Bird Feeder

Introduce a natural touch to your garden with this back-to-basics pinecone bird feeder – both budget-friendly and eco-friendly.

Materials:

  • Pinecone
  • Peanut butter
  • Birdseed
  • String or twine

Procedure:

  1. Tie the string to the top of the pinecone.
  2. Spread peanut butter evenly over the pinecone.
  3. Roll the pinecone in birdseed until it's fully coated.
  4. Hang the pinecone bird feeder in your garden.

Benefits:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Kid-friendly
  • Biodegradable

For a wide variety of pinecone bird feeder designs, head to Natural Beach Living.

7. Food for Thought: Vintage Book Bird Feeder

Repurpose an old, unused gumball machine into a distinctive and quirky bird feeder that is guaranteed to be the talk of the town.

Materials:

  • Old gumball machine
  • Paint (optional)
  • Birdseed

Procedure:

  1. Clean the gumball machine and remove any leftover gumballs.
  2. Paint or decorate the gumball machine (optional).
  3. Add birdseed to the globe.
  4. Place the filled feeder in your garden, securely mounted.

Benefits:

  • Unique conversion
  • Eye-catching design
  • Easy to refill

For more information on converting your gumball machine into a bird feeder, visit Punk Projects.

Combine your love of literature and nature by crafting a vintage book bird feeder. A daily reminder of the beauty in both the written word and the natural world around us.

Materials:

  • 2 vintage books (hardcover)
  • Wood brackets
  • L brackets
  • Screws
  • Birdseed

Procedure:

  1. Prepare your vintage books by securing the pages (use strong glue or screws).
  2. Attach the wood brackets using L brackets and screws.
  3. Place one book on top of the other, creating a small gap for the birdseed.
  4. Fill the gap with birdseed and display your feeder on a tabletop or mounting.

Benefits:

  • Incorporates literature and nature
  • Useful conversation starter
  • Creative design

For a detailed tutorial on creating a vintage book bird feeder, refer to Birds and Blooms.

There you have it – a diverse array of DIY bird feeder ideas for all gardeners to enjoy. From environmentally-friendly to vintage-inspired, these bird feeders not only provide a safe haven for our feathered friends, but they also enhance the beauty and charm of your garden. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and let the bird watching begin!

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