Something You Can Do
Like we suggested in “Gems for Your Treasure Chest, feeding and watching birds can be enjoyable and interesting. Here are some ideas for making your own “Feeding Station.” Just as when you read a recipe, you should read all the instructions before starting. You might even want to make one as a gift to bless someone else! Remind them that, just as God cares for the birds, He cares for them, too (Luke 12:6-7).
Make a Seed Feeder
You will need:
- a 57” long, 1 x 6 board (or several shorter pieces)
- two 12”-13” wood strips for railings
- a pencil and ruler
- a saw
- hammer and nails
- a piece of roofing tarpaper (or shingles)
- an 8’ post, or wire for hanging
From the 1 x 6 cut two 16” pieces, one 12” piece, and cut the remaining 13” piece as in this diagram:
Put the feeder together like the picture shows. First nail the two side pieces (the ones that have the slanted top edges) to the 12” base piece. Make sure that both the sides slant the same way.
Next nail the railing boards along the edge to keep the seed from falling out.
Use the two 16” pieces for the roof. First nail on top of the side boards, then cover with roofing tarpaper. This will help waterproof the feeder.
If you plan to mount the feeder on a post, attach the base of the feeder to it first, and then put the roof on. Or, if you want to hang it somewhere, put a couple nails in each end of the roof (not in the crack) to attatch wire to. Remember to put the feeder near a window where you can easily watch your feathered visitors.
Some Fun Additions
- Add a wire cage on one side to put your suet “cake” in. This can be make out of chicken wire (or hardware cloth), with staples to attach it.
- Pound some small-headed nails along the edge to hang fruit chunks on. Some birds especially like pieces of orange or apple to peck at.
- Divide the feeder tray into sections with some more small wood strips. Put different kinds of seed (millet mix, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, oats) in each part, and see what the birds like the best.