Bird watching is the number one activity in many parts of the world, and it’s easy to see why. Birds come in all colors and sizes, and their behaviors are interesting and sometimes comical to watch! By making a feeder for the birds and hanging it near a window, you can attract them close for convenient, indoor viewing.
MATERIALS
Old wooden picture frame about 8" x 10" (20 x 25.4 cm)
Drill and tiny drill bit
4 small screw eyes
Piece of screening slightly bigger than your picture frame
Staple gun and staples
5 small “S” hooks
10’ (304 cm) of rope chain
2. Using the holes you drilled, set the screw eyes into place. (Fig. 2)
3. Center the screening over the picture frame. Use the staple gun to fix it in place. Make sure you staple the screening near the corners of the frame. (Fig. 3)
4. Loop an “S” hook through each screw eye. Then loop a 2’ (61 cm) section of rope chain through each “S” hook, gathering each piece together and looping them through the fifth “S” hook. Hang the feeder by attaching the rest of the rope to the “S” hook. Fill the feeder with seed and hang outside to enjoy. Your feathered friends will thank you. (Fig. 4)
DIG DEEPER!
HELP NATIVE BIRDS
Research the native birds of your area; a good place to start is your state’s department of natural resources website. Learn what your native birds need for survival and help provide that for them. Planting perennials, shrubs, and trees that provide food and shelter for them year-round is ideal. Provide clean water for them to drink and bathe in by making your own birdbath (Lab 38).
Native birds are important to the ecosystem as pollinators, insect and rodent control, distributing seeds, and many other reasons. The biggest threat to native birds is the domestic cat. Cats kill millions of songbirds every year. The best way to prevent this is to keep cats indoors, which keeps cats safe, too.
