DIY Birdseed Feeders.
Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? Did you know that bird feeding/watching is the second most popular hobby behind gardening? And did you know that feeding birds in winter is critical since berries and other natural sources of food are scarce? Whether you knew all of that or not, here are some ideas for 10 Homemade Birdseed Feeders that are probably messy, but fun for the whole family to make!
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It’s important to provide birds with food in winter because they burn more calories in winter just to stay warm. Feeding birds now also gives them the extra energy they need to survive this particularly cold winter, to migrate, and set up their spring nests!
10 Homemade Birdseed Feeders
Making a DIY birdseed feeder for birds can be fun and rewarding as you observe all the birds that gather in your yard. Knowing what is safe to feed birds can be a little tricky. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Commercial Birdseed – Commercial seed comes in many different varieties. Mixes are often more expensive and you can easily make your own for less when you buy bulk bags of seed. Most packages will tell you what will be most attractive to the birds you have in your area.
- Peanuts and Peanut Butter – Always use unsalted whole peanuts for birds. Unsalted bulk peanut butter is a better choice, but using the same peanut butter you use will not harm the birds if you just provide it as an occasional treat.
- Fruit – Birds love chopped apples and pears.
- Dried Fruit – Dried raisins and dried cranberries can add interest and color to your seed feeders.
- Grains – Cooked (and cooled) pasta, rice, and potatoes can be left out for the birds. But make sure to put them up high and not too close to your house, as these may also attract other critters!
1. Birdseed Wreath
Birdseed Wreath by Sewlicious Home Decor
2. Pinecone Bird Feeder
Pinecone bird feeder with Wheat Chex cereal from My Blessed Life
3. Easy Peanut Butter Birdseed Treats
Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Bird Treats at Pint Sized Treasures by Daisy Cottage Designs
4. Coconut Oil Suet Cakes
Coconut Oil Suet Cakes from Fresh Eggs Daily
5. Birdseed Filled Pumpkin
Pumpkin filled with bird seed by Dreamy Whites
6. DIY Bird Seed Feeders
DIY bird seed feeder by Under the Sycamore
7. Homemade Bird Seed Wreath
Homemade Birdseed Wreath by A Cultivated Nest
8. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Toilet paper roll bird feeder by Go Grow Go!
9. 3 Ingredient DIY Suet Cakes
DIY Suet Cakes by A Cultivated Nest
10. Winter Bird Tree
Bird seed tree from Wilder Child. Isn’t that pretty! The squirrels in my yard would be all over that!
Be sure to place your homemade birdseed feeders somewhere that provides natural cover where birds can hide if necessary, but doesn’t also offer a place for cats or other predators to hide.
Which DIY birdseed feeder do you think you’ll try to make?
You might also be interested in: 7 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Avoiding Your Yard
I did not know the importance of feeding birds in the winter. I guess that is because we don’t really get winter. You make me want to make a cute little feeder for the birds who live in my tree and provide a concert all day long.
These are some great ideas! Thank you for sharing my wreath bird feeder! 🙂
Marti
Great ideas! I love to invite the birds to our yard:)
Thank you so much for sharing our sweet little craft 🙂
Lots of great ideas!. I don’t even attempt to put bird food out here, due to the squirrel population. We do have lots of vegetation in the area that provides berries, etc. Usually have some around in the Winter, but this year have seen very few. But then we have had some extreme temps for this area this Winter. Guess they packed up and flew South.
Temps dropping fast as I type – Stay warm.
Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home
I’m so happy that you came by, so that I could find your lovely blog.
I just love this post . . . and look forward to looking around!
Have a beautiful week,
Suzanne (new follower)
Bird Feeding Lover here so you KNOW I love this post 🙂 And squirrel-feeder, too ,lol 🙂 I love my little squirrels as much as the birds…
We are avid bird feeders. Love the pumpkin filled with seeds!
Leann
Hi Manuela, thanks for dropping by my blog. Good to know someone else who’s started over at this blogging. :). I do love my birds too. I think I might try the toilet roll feeder. Thanks again!
When we bought our cabin, I was anxious to feed the birds but quickly learned it was the bears I was feeding instead! There really is no safe way to feed birds there, so we do what we can at our rental and make due.
I love the bundt wreath! That looks like something the birds can really sink their teeth (or beaks) into!
These are all so pretty!! With our crazy weather this year, I have been scrambling to keep everyone fed outside. Our cardinals are back and we have a huge flock of chickadees. They would love these! 24 tonight, and then back up to 70 this weekend 🙂 Stay warm!!
I just moved and am so excited to add a few new bird feeders to my deck…I’m not sure where I’ll put them but I’m determined to find a spot because I really love watching birds 🙂 Thank you for these!