DIY Bird Feeder for Songbirds
I was driving back from the home improvement store last week when a realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I had all the materials to make a DIY bird feeder in tow and I realized that this was a total Rose thing to do. I had become my mom. I sobbed through green lights and then I just started laughing. My mom was the ultimate DIY-er and dedicated bird lover — so the fact that I was going to teach myself how to use a drill to make a bird feeder was all too fitting.
Mom and "Her Birds"
My “mom’s birds” were always a talking point. I’d come home for a visit, we’d sit on the back patio, and mom would proceed to tell me about all the different birds she’d seen that day. I’d smile, nod, and throw in something like, “that’s really cool, mom.”
I was not into her birds, but she didn’t care. It was always a topic of conversation and I always gritted my teeth and tried to act interested for her sake, while also trying to change the subject. Eventually it would work and we’d start chatting about something else.
Losing someone does something really weird to your interests. I’m convinced, because now I’m a certifiable bird lady. I notice them singing in the morning. I seek them out. I saw a beautiful gray bird with a bright yellow belly the other day and it’s been on my mind ever since. And yeah, my first project to ever completely do on my own was a DIY bird feeder.
When I finished the bird feeder I felt like I could conquer the entire world. I was so proud of myself. In all honesty, it wasn’t hard. I’m not sure why I was so tickled with myself, but I totally was and I’m still immensely proud of this creation. I guess that’s the DIY-er I never knew I had in me… just like mom.
How to Build a Flower Pot Bird Feeder
I built this bird feeder for songbirds - I didn’t want to encourage pigeons to visit - so I made it small enough that pest birds shouldn’t be a problem. The small songbirds should be able to fit nicely, though and I chose a food best fit for songbirds.
Materials
- 1 4” terra cotta pot
- 1 3.5” terra cotta saucer
- 1 6” terra cotta saucer
- About 3 feet of rope
Tools
- Masonry drill bit - slightly larger than the diameter of the rope
- Drill (I use this one)
- Marker
- Tape Measure
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DIY Bird Feeder Instructions
1. Use the tape measure and marker to mark the middle of each saucer on the bottom of the plate.
2. Make 4 or 5 evenly spaced marks along the bottom of the pot about half and inch from the bottom.
3. Using the masonry bit, drill through the saucers at your marked centers.
4. Next, drill through each dot along the bottom of the pot.
5. Take a section of rope and tie a knot at one end.
6. Thread the large saucer (face up) onto the rope.7. Thread the flower pot (face up) onto the rope.8. Thread the small saucer (face down) onto the rope.
9. Tie a loop knot at the other end of the rope so that it hangs at a desired length.10. Fill the bird feeder and hang from the loop knot end.
Ta-Da! I mean, how simple was that? I had looked at bird feeder plans, but honestly, I didn’t want a big to-do. All I wanted was a nice, simple bird feeder that would work for my purposes, so I thought this one up and put my plan into action. Of course, if you wish, you can paint the pot and saucers, but I kind of like the terra cotta on its own.
Becoming Bird Lady?
I am really happy with how the bird feeder turned out and I had a BLAST doing it all by myself. I think this was the perfect beginner DIY because it was totally doable, but there was actual tool-involvement. Also, this cost me less than $10 to complete… and that was including the drill bit, which I plan to use for other purposes. You can try using a regular drill bit. I didn’t because I didn’t want to risk breaking the pot or saucers with too much pressure.
Please know that if you come to my house, I will talk about the birds. We’ll sit on my porch looking towards the bird feeder and if they come, I’ll whip out my bird identification app. Then, I’ll offer you another cup of coffee and I’ll completely ignore your non-verbal cues to change the subject while I tell you all about “the bird I saw this morning.”
PIN IT FOR LATER
