Trails » Sports & Recreation » Birds & Bird Watching » Bird Feeders » How to Make a Bird Feeder

How to Make a Bird Feeder

How to Make a Bird Feeder

foxypar4

You can attract a panoply of bird species to your yard or garden with this simple-to-make bird feeder. Using recycled tomato baskets provides an inexpensive container for bird feed. The wide mouth of the basket allows for a variety of different types of feed or treats to be used, attracting more varieties of birds. As birds discover the feeder, more and more will come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

How to Make a Bird Feeder

Things You’ll Need:
  • Plastic tomato-basket
  • String
  • Sharp scissors
  • 2 cups black oil sunflower seed
  • 1 cup millet
  • 3/4 cup cracked corn
  • 1/4 cup flax seed
  • 1/4 cup untreated grass seed
Step 1
Wash the empty tomato basket.
Step 2
Measure and cut a piece 24" long string. Tie the string to a top corner of the basket.
Step 3
Repeat step 2 with the three remaining corners of the basket .
Step 4
Mix the black oil sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, safflower seed, flax seed and untreated grass seed. Fill the basket. Save unused mix to refill the basket when it is empty.
Step 5
Loop the four strings around a tree branch and tie them. Use a tree branch that can easily be seen from a window.

Tips & Warnings

 
Add fruit, nuts or suet to the bird feeder to attract different bird species.
 
Keep a calender near the window and record the types of birds that visit.
 
Wash the basket before refilling it. This will help prevent any potential spread of disease.

Resources

Article Written By Jamie Hobbs

Jamie Hobbs graduated from Central Washington University with a BAed. She has been writing for Demand Studios and Suite 101 since 2008. Mrs. Hobbs work has also been printed in Yakima Family Times.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword