If you’re interested in birds and want to attract more of them to your backyard, then a bird feeder is the perfect way to do it. But instead of just setting out a plain old seed or suet feeder, why not try something different? Decorating your bird feeder with some simple supplies from the craft store can make it even more appealing to local fowl than it already is!
Here are just a few ideas for how you can dress up your favorite place for feeding wild birds:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Decorating a bird feeder can add visual appeal to your garden. |
| Consider using non-toxic paint or stains for decoration. |
| Add colorful accents and patterns to attract birds. |
| Use weather-resistant materials for long-lasting decor. |
| Avoid using any decorations that could be harmful to birds. |
| Personalize your bird feeder with unique designs and themes. |
| Ensure that the decorations do not interfere with bird access. |
| Regularly clean and maintain the decorated bird feeder. |
| Enjoy the beauty of your decorated bird feeder and the birds it attracts! |
1. Faux Bird Nest
If you want to attract birds to your yard, a bird nest will be an excellent addition. You can attach the nest to your feeder or place it on a platform and hang it from a tree branch.
A bird nest made from natural materials such as twigs, dried grass, and moss is sure to please even the pickiest avian visitors.
Bird nests are also striking in their simplicity and variety of styles. They can be simple bowls woven together or made from manmade materials like plastic or metal wire mesh (the latter might look more like a cage).
If you want to attract birds like finches and goldfinches to your yard, learn how to make a niger seed bird feeder. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to create a feeder that will entice these colorful birds. Discover the joy of bird-watching with our easy tips for making a niger seed bird feeder.
2. Branch Bird Feeder With Bowl
A branch bird feeder with a bowl is a simple and inexpensive way to provide your feathered friends with a snack. The size of the bowl will determine how many birds can gather at once. If you want to attract more birds, choose a large bowl or plate.
Smaller bowls and plates will only hold one or two birds at once, so if you have fewer than three bird species visiting your yard, these smaller options may suit your needs better.
The best material for this project is wood because it’s durable while also being lightweight enough not to be bothersome as it hangs from its branch perch.
You’ll also need some plastic cups or jars that fit inside each other (i.e., nested) so that they are easy to fill without having to worry about spilling food everywhere!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Branch Bird |
| Feeder Type | Hanging bird feeder |
| Design | Features a bowl-shaped feeding area on a branch-like structure |
| Material | Durable and weather-resistant materials |
| Attraction | Attracts birds with a natural and rustic appearance |
| Easy to Use | Convenient hanging design for easy installation and refilling |
| Versatility | Suitable for various bird species and garden settings |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean and maintain |
| Durability | Built to withstand outdoor conditions |
3. Tin Can Bird Feeder
To make a tin can bird feeder, you will need:
- An empty tin can. If you don’t want to recycle one, this is the perfect project to collect cans and make something great out of them! You can even find them at thrift stores or garage sales.
- A drill or hammer and nail, depending on how your particular tin can is made (either way works fine).
- Twine or rope to hang your new feeder from trees or other structures in your yard.
Once you’ve gathered these supplies and have a clear idea of where in your yard you want to hang this feeder, it’s time for assembly!
All that’s left for you to do is prepare the interior walls of the can by drilling holes through them so that birds have places to perch while feeding from inside their new home.
This will prevent them from getting stuck inside when they’re done eating all their seeds/nuts/berries/etc., which also helps keep things fresh–no stale seed pileups here!
Are you interested in creating a bird feeder but don’t know where to start? Our experts have put together a comprehensive guide on making a bird feeder that covers everything from materials and design to placement and maintenance. Get started on your DIY project today!
4. Scrap Wood Bird Feeder
If you have some scrap wood lying around, you can use it to make a bird feeder. A variety of different types of wood may be used, but choose the type that is most readily available in your area.
For example, pine trees grow throughout the United States and Canada, so if you live in one of these countries and have access to a pine tree, that might be an excellent choice for your bird feeder’s wood base.
5. Bluebird House
If you want to attract bluebirds, your best bet is to hang a bluebird house. If you live in an area with native trees, you can find a cavity in the trunk that’s about 4-5 inches wide and use this for your nest box.
Make sure it’s placed at least 10 feet off the ground and ideally closer to 20 feet off the ground; this will ensure that predators cannot reach it easily but still allow for easy access by birds like woodpeckers and jays (who will protect their nests from snakes).
You can also have success with simple wooden houses purchased from stores or made yourself out of scrap wood if there are no natural holes available where you live or if they are too small for bluebirds.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bluebird Homes |
| House Type | Bluebird nesting house |
| Design | Specifically designed for bluebirds’ nesting requirements |
| Material | Durable and weather-resistant materials |
| Entrance Hole | Properly sized to deter larger birds and predators |
| Ventilation | Provides adequate airflow for the comfort of nesting bluebirds |
| Easy to Use | Convenient mounting design for easy installation and maintenance |
| Protection | Offers protection from the elements and natural predators |
| Monitoring | Some models include access doors or side panels for monitoring |
6. Birch Bark Bird Feeders
You can also make a birch bark bird feeder. Birch bark is the perfect material for this kind of project because it’s strong, biodegradable and easy to find in the woods.
You just need to make sure you’re using birch trees that are not diseased, otherwise you could be spreading disease when you harvest your birch bark.
One way to do this is by checking for any signs of damage on the tree itself—if there are any holes or discoloration, don’t pick from that wood because it could be infected with disease or parasites that could spread onto your bird feeder.
If everything looks healthy though, then head over with your knife (or other cutting utensil) and start cutting away!
Robins are a delightful addition to any backyard. If you want to attract these beautiful birds, discover the best bird feeder that attracts robins. Our guide on attracting robins with the right bird feeder provides valuable insights and recommendations to make your garden a robin-friendly space.
7.Tiki Hut Bird Feeder
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to attract birds to your yard, then this tiki hut bird feeder is the perfect solution.
To make it, all you need is some bamboo and twigs, which can be found at any garden store. You also need birdseed, suet or both!
Once you have all the materials ready, follow these steps:
Spread out some newspaper on a flat surface where you will be working. Place an old blanket or sheet over top of it to protect from dirt and dust particles (especially if you don’t want to spend any time cleaning up after making this).
Cut pieces of bamboo about 12 inches long using a sharp knife or pruning shears; bend each one into half so that there are two equal-sized pieces connected at one end by some wire (or string if desired).
The wire should extend about 3 inches past each joint but no more than 4 inches total length (you’ll see why later). Repeat until there are four pieces ready for building support beams inside our structure.”
8. Pine Cone Bird Feeder
If you have pine cones lying around in your yard, consider using one as a bird feeder. Pine cones make great homes for birds because they provide shelter and food at the same time.
You can decorate them with paint or markers if you want to make them more attractive to birds, or just leave them plain if that’s what speaks to you aesthetically.
Pine cone bird feeders are best hung from tree branches or twigs so that they’re easily accessible by flying birds—and don’t forget to put seed in there too!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeder Type | Hanging bird feeder |
| Design | Utilizes a pine cone as a natural feeding platform |
| Material | Pine cone, birdseed, and string or wire for hanging |
| Attraction | Attracts birds with a natural and eco-friendly feeding option |
| Easy to Make | Simple DIY project that can be crafted with minimal effort |
| Refilling | Easy to replenish birdseed on the pine cone feeder |
| Suitable for | Ideal for small to medium-sized birds such as finches and sparrows |
| Outdoor Use | Designed for outdoor placement and bird enjoyment |
| Decorative | Pine cone feeder adds a rustic and decorative element to the garden |
9. Marbleized Clay Seed Cake For Birds
Here’s a fun project you can do with your kids. Make a marbleized clay seed cake for birds to eat!
Get some children’s modeling clay in different colors. You’ll need enough clay to make one big ball, but divide it into smaller balls so you can make different shapes with them.
Roll out the clays with a rolling pin until they’re all about ¼-inch thick. Use cookie cutters or other shapes to cut out pieces of the clay and make flowers, leaves, or whatever else seems appropriate for hanging on your bird feeder!
Bake these pieces according to package directions (usually at 275°F for 15 minutes), then let them cool before hanging them up outside.
Have you ever wondered how to hang a bird feeder on your window? It’s a great way to enjoy bird-watching up close. Our article on hanging a window bird feeder offers practical tips and techniques to securely attach a feeder to your window, providing a unique view of your feathered visitors.
10. Floating Ornaments In A Fishbowl
If you have a fishbowl, fill it with water and floating ornaments. Add bird seed to the bottom of the bowl, and then add another layer of water (this will keep your bird feeder from getting soggy). Then place your bird feeder on top of this second layer and watch as birds come to eat!
If you want to make sure your fishbowl doesn’t get soggy from rain or snow, place a sponge at the bottom of your bowl before adding your fish food. This will soak up any excess moisture in case it rains outside when you’re not around to check on it yourself!
11. Homemade Kitty Bait Bag Cat Toy
If you’re looking for a way to entertain your cat without having to buy a bunch of expensive toys, consider making your own homemade kitty bait bag cat toy.
Here’s how it works:
Tie the bag of treats onto a string and dangle it in front of your cat! You can also use a plastic bottle cap or other toy if you don’t have any cat treats at home.
If you don’t have any string either, just tie one end of the string around something like an empty tin can so that when it spins around it will make noise and interest your pet even more.
12. Snowy Pinecone Birds’ Feast
Imagine yourself sitting on the porch of your large, beautiful home in rural Minnesota. The sun is shining and a cool, crisp breeze is blowing through the leaves of nearby trees.
A pinecone birdfeeder hangs from one of those branches, filled to the brim with seeds in preparation for all of your favorite feathered friends. You’re so happy that you want to shout out loud because there are birds everywhere!
But wait…what if I told you that it was possible for you to achieve this same happiness without leaving your house or spending any money? That’s right: all it takes is some string and a pinecone (or two).
To make this recipe, first cut a piece of string long enough so that when tied around both ends of the cone like pants legs, it reaches almost all the way down into its center hole. Then tie off each end, securing them tightly so they won’t slip off later on during use later on during use
If you’re looking to attract orioles to your yard, using the right jelly is essential. Find out what kind of jelly is used for oriole feeders and how to choose the best one. Our guide on selecting jelly for oriole feeders will help you create an enticing feeding station for these vibrant birds.
Conclusion
I hope these ideas have inspired you to get out there and make something! Whether you are new to the world of crafting or an old pro, I hope this list has given you some great ideas on how to decorate your own bird feeder.
As always, if there is anything else that I missed please leave a comment below so we can add it in here. Thank you for reading and happy decorating!
Further Reading
Homemade DIY Bird Feeders: Explore a collection of creative and unique DIY bird feeder ideas to enhance your backyard and attract feathered friends.
How to Make a Bird Feeder: Learn step-by-step instructions for making a bird feeder using common materials found in your garden or home, and create a welcoming space for birds.
Guide to Decorating Bird Feeders: Discover tips and inspiration for decorating your bird feeders, adding a touch of style and personality to your outdoor space.
These additional resources provide more information and ideas for bird feeders, DIY projects, and creative ways to decorate them.
And here’s the FAQs section:
FAQs
How do I choose the right location for a bird feeder?
The ideal location for a bird feeder is somewhere that offers easy access for birds while keeping them safe from predators. Choose a spot that is visible to you for bird-watching but also provides nearby trees or shrubs for birds to perch and hide.
What types of bird feeders are best for attracting specific bird species?
Different bird species have different feeding preferences. Tube feeders are great for attracting small perching birds like finches, while platform feeders are suitable for ground-feeding birds like sparrows. Research the specific birds you want to attract to determine the best feeder types for them.
How often should I clean my bird feeder?
Regular cleaning is important to prevent the spread of diseases among birds. Clean your bird feeder at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you notice mold, debris, or droppings. Use mild soap and water, and thoroughly rinse and dry the feeder before refilling it.
How can I prevent squirrels from accessing the bird feeder?
Squirrels can be persistent when it comes to accessing bird feeders. Use squirrel-proof feeders with mechanisms that deter them, such as weight-activated perches or baffles. Additionally, consider placing the feeder on a pole with a squirrel guard or using squirrel-proofing techniques like greasing the pole or using hot pepper-based deterrents.
What type of bird food is suitable for different bird species?
Different bird species have different dietary preferences. Offer a variety of bird foods such as black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, suet, and mealworms to attract a diverse range of birds. Research the specific birds you want to attract to determine their preferred food types.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.