How to Make a DIY Bird Feeder for National Bird Feeding Month

Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? Do you have friendly feathered friends who regularly visit your yard for a snack or a meal, or do you wish that you did? We have a few ideas that will have the birds in your neighborhood flocking to your yard with these easy to make DIY bird feeders. Grab the kids and make it a family project!

Every year we throw away massive amounts of plastic bottles, which end up in landfills and waterways, where they can present a health hazard to both humans and animals. Why not upcycle a bottle or two to feed your feathered friends? Here are the simple instructions for how to make a bird feeder from a plastic bottle, from our friends at Eco How:

You will need:

  • A plastic bottle and cap (cleaned and dried)
  • String or twine
  • Two sticks, dowels, or pencils
  • Push pin
  • Scissors
  • Birdseed

Directions:

  1. Use the push pin to make two holes towards the bottom of the bottle on opposite sides.
  2. Use the scissors to widen the holes
  3. Push a dowel through the holes to form one perch for the birds
  4. Make a new set of holes higher up the bottle at 90 degrees from the first perch. The dowels should form a cross when viewed from below
  5. Use the push pin to make some drainage holes in the bottom of the bottle
  6. Make a hole a few inches above the perch for the birds to access the bird seed
  7. Make two more holes at the top of the bottle opposite each other
  8. Thread the twine or string through these holes to hang the bird feeder
  9. Add the bird seed to the bottle
  10. Put the lid on the bottle and you’re ready to hang your DIY bird feeder

Since February is also Valentine’s Day, here’s how to make a DIY bird feeder in a heart shape from WhatsUpMoms.

You will need:

  • Cookie cutter or silicone mold in a heart shape
  • Birdseed
  • Gelatin
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Combine one package of gelatin with ¼ cup boiling water
  2. Stir until gelatin is totally dissolved
  3. Add ¾ cup of bird seed and mix
  4. Scoop bird seed and gelatin mixture into mold, filling all the nooks and crannies
  5. Pack mixture down firmly using the back of the spoon
  6. Leave mixture in the mold until set (will set faster in the fridge)
  7. When set, remove the mixture from the mold
  8. Thread a string or twine through the top of the mold, or punch out a hole before the mixture hardens
  9. Hang your DIY bird feeder outside and wait for the birds to discover their treat
  10. Tip: You can double or triple this recipe if you want to make several bird feeders

To make suet cakes for your DIY bird feeder, here’s a recipe using peanut butter and dried fruit from Twin Cities Adventures.

You will need:

  • Birdseed
  • Lard
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Plastic storage containers to use as molds
  • Stock pot

Directions:

  1. Melt one brick of lard and one jar of peanut butter in a stock pot
  2. Heat on medium and stir until lard and peanut butter are melted together
  3. Add dried fruit, seeds, and 2 cups of birdseed (may add more as needed)
  4. Mix well
  5. Pour into plastic containers, press down, and freeze until set
  6. Store any leftovers in a plastic storage bag and freeze for 24 hours
  7. Place cakes in suet feeder and hang outside

Bird and Flower Figurines by Current CatalogEnjoy making your own back yard DIY bird feeder and suet cakes in celebration of National Bird Feeding Month, and be sure to check out Current’s beautiful bird-themed products — we have coffee mugs, personal stationery, bank checks, stickers, home décor and more!