If you live in an area that has many birds, a strategically placed DIY recycled bird feeder will allow you to view the pretty feathered creatures up close and personal. Taking just a little time and very little money, you can make one out of materials you might have otherwise thrown away – a plastic bottle and a couple of wooden spoons. Clean and dry the bottle thoroughly, removing any labels. Screw the hook into the centre of the bottle’s cap, making sure it is firm and tight.
After the hook is fully inserted, seal both sides (inside and out) with a drop of polyurethane glue to provide extra strength and to keep moisture out of the feeder. Cut holes large enough to fit the perches completely through the bottle, about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom of the bottle. The wooden spoons should fit snugly into the holes and extend completely across the bottle and out the matching hole on the opposite side.
Cut feeding ports 1 to 2 inches above each perch, using a utility knife. The ports should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide, depending on the type of seed you will use—use larger holes for mixed seed or sunflower seeds, and smaller holes for Nyjer or millet. Oval-shaped holes that are taller than they are wide will be easier for birds to feed on. Slowly fill the feeder with the desired seeding. Hang the feeder outside from a tree branch or other support structure and wait for birds to discover it. It won’t take long.
