Birdwatching is a delightful hobby that brings you closer to nature, and one of the best ways to attract birds to your garden is by setting up a bird feeder.

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In this tutorial, based on a video from the Natural History Museum, we’ll guide you through making a simple yet effective bird feeder using a plastic bottle. Follow these easy steps and enjoy watching a variety of birds visit your garden.

What You’ll Need

Before we start, gather the following supplies:

• A plastic bottle
• Two sticks
• A pin
• Scissors
• String

Step 1: Prepare the Bottle

1. Clean the Bottle
   First, ensure your plastic bottle is clean and free from any residues. Remove the cap from the bottle.
2. Add Drainage Holes
   Using a pin, create small drainage holes at the base of the bottle. This will help any rainwater drain out, keeping the bird feed dry and fresh.

Step 2: Create Perches and Feeding Holes

1. Make Initial Holes
   Make two level holes on opposite sides of the bottle. These should be big enough for the sticks to pass through but small enough to hold them securely.
2. Widen the Holes
   With the help of an adult, use scissors to carefully widen these holes if necessary.
3. Insert the Sticks
   Push a stick through these holes, creating a perch for the birds.
4. Cut Feeding Holes
   Above each perch, cut a feeding hole about the size of a 5p coin (or approximately 1.8 cm in diameter). This is where the birds will access the bird feed.
5. Add More Perches
   Make a second set of perches and feeding holes at a 90° angle to the first set, repeating the process.

Step 3: Assemble the Feeder

1. Add the String
   Make two holes near the top of the bottle, opposite each other. Thread a piece of string through these holes to create a hanger for your bird feeder.
2. Fill with Bird Feed
   Fill the bottle with bird feed, ensuring that the feed is accessible through the feeding holes.
3. Secure the Cap
   Replace the bottle cap to keep the feed secure and dry.

Step 4: Hang the Feeder

1. Choose a Location. Find a sheltered location in your garden to hang your bird feeder. Ideal spots include tree branches or a washing line, where the feeder is protected from strong winds and predators.

Step 5: Watch and Identify Birds

1. Observe Quietly
   Once your bird feeder is set up, watch quietly from a distance, ideally from indoors. This will prevent scaring the birds away and allow you to observe them closely.
2. Identify Bird Species
   Use birdwatching books or the internet to help identify the bird species that visit your feeder. This adds to the enjoyment and educational aspect of birdwatching.

Conclusion

Creating a bird feeder from a plastic bottle is a simple and rewarding project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Not only does it provide food for local birds, but it also offers endless opportunities for birdwatching and learning more about nature. Give it a try and see how many different bird species you can attract to your garden!

For more educational and fun projects, visit the Natural History Museum.