Get ready to transform your birdwatching experience with the best DIY bird feeder! In a recent video, a passionate bird enthusiast shares his ultimate bird feeder design, perfect for attracting small birds while keeping the larger, greedy ones at bay.
This feeder is not only effective but also incredibly easy and inexpensive to make. Follow along with our step-by-step guide to recreate this bird feeder, ensuring your birdwatching moments are filled with joy and fewer interruptions.
Materials Needed
- 5-gallon recycled Culligan water tank (or similar)
- PVC flashing to create a funnel
- PVC cap with the bottom cut out
- Screening material (e.g., rabbit fence)
- Tools for cutting and assembling
- Strong support for hanging the feeder
Step 1: Understanding the Problem with Store-Bought Feeders
Before diving into the construction, the video outlines common issues with store-bought bird feeders. Many of these feeders let the seed get wet and moldy or freeze up in winter.
Larger birds often empty the feeder quickly, leaving smaller birds without food. The DIY solution aims to address these problems effectively.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Start by gathering all necessary materials. The main component is a 5-gallon recycled Culligan water tank.
Additionally, you’ll need PVC flashing to create a funnel that keeps the seed dry, a PVC cap with the bottom cut out, and some screening material to form a protective cage.
Step 3: Construct the Funnel
The next step involves creating a funnel using PVC flashing. This funnel ensures that the birdseed stays dry, even during rainy weather.
According to the video, the funnel is very effective and only fails if it’s raining sideways, which is a rare occurrence.
Step 4: Assemble the Bird Feeder
With your funnel ready, place it inside the 5-gallon water tank. Attach the PVC cap with the bottom cut out to the funnel to allow seed access for the birds while preventing moisture build-up.
Any negligible moisture that does get in will be minimal and won’t spoil the seed.
Step 5: Add the Protective Cage
To keep larger birds like blue jays and starlings out, you’ll need to add a protective cage around the feeder. The video suggests using screening material, such as rabbit fencing.
Cut out every other section of the fencing, leaving enough room for smaller birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches to access the seed without interference from larger birds. Ensure the bottom of the cage is open so that woodpeckers can feed from underneath comfortably.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Placement
Once the cage is in place, you’re almost done. Make sure your feeder is securely assembled and find a strong support to hang it from.
The feeder can get quite heavy when filled with seed, so ensure your support structure can handle the weight.
Step 7: Filling and Maintenance
Fill your newly constructed bird feeder with seed. The video demonstrates that the feeder can hold enough seed to last for at least a month, reducing the frequency of refills.
This feeder design is economical, effective, and perfect for birdwatchers who want a reliable solution without constant maintenance.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Birdwatching!
With your DIY bird feeder in place, sit back and enjoy the sight of small birds flocking to your creation. The design ensures that only the smaller birds can feed, leaving the larger, more aggressive ones out.
Conclusion
This DIY bird feeder is a game-changer for birdwatchers. It’s easy to make, cost-effective, and incredibly efficient at keeping the seed dry and accessible only to small birds.
Say goodbye to the frustrations of store-bought feeders and hello to a more enjoyable birdwatching experience!