!: Family Winter Project: Build a Bird Feeder

Have you been thinking about buying a bird feeder? Have you been shopping around but can't seem to find exactly what you're looking for? Why not build one? Certainly there are how-to books available which provide instructions on how to build a bird feeder. If you're unable to find a book in a bookstore, try some of the online bookstores. There are also Internet sites with how-to projects and with some searching you'll no doubt find a site that gives you information on how to build a bird feeder.

There are many different types of feeders you could consider:

Hopper Feeders -- these can be made of wood or even an overturned milk jug or plastic water bottle: Once you add a fixture to the bottom to allow a small perch and opening for the seeds to fall out on a tray you are ready to go. Platform Feeders -- wonderful especially if you have a diverse collection of birds as the platform is an open concept, allowing for multiple birds to feed simultaneously. It is a delight to observe which birds flock together and which ones seem to rule supreme. The platform feeders will allow you to see bird social systems from a new angle. Tube Feeders -- tube feeders are great if you live in an area where the weather changes often or likely to be less than ideal for bird feed to be left on a platform as they protect the seed very well from poor weather conditions. Suet Feeders -- kids love to create these either with suet or peanut butter because it involves minimal work in the kitchen. Allowing your children to actively measure and pour out the seeds, mix with the "sticky" ingredient (suet/peanut butter), package in wire brings true delight and a lot of clean kid satisfaction. Here they truly feel that they are providing for the birds in your garden.

To build a bird feeder you'll need very few materials. You can actually build one with three items, wood, wood glue and finishing nails or screws. A how-do book or site will provide dimensions for the sides, the bottom, the back, the roof and any other pieces required to build a feeder. Following the instructions specifically you can build a bird feeder that'll meet your needs as well as any you'll find in a store. These three materials insure the basic construction of the bird feeder is adequate. You may want to use silicone in the seams to protect the feeder from rain and snow. The outside of the bird feeder can be painted or stained to preserve the wood and also provide a nice finish.

If you're looking for a family project to do on a rainy day, why not build a bird feeder? It's an easy project to do and one the whole family can enjoy. Not only will the construction process be enjoyable but once the bird feeder is hung and filled with bird seed, the whole family can watch the birds as they come to feed. All the birds, big and small will be extremely happy if you decide to build a bird feeder.