The base of this feeder is a buffet-style tray that can be left open to the elements, but adding the canopy provides some measure of shelter for the seeds. Meanwhile, the dining birds stay high and dry.
3/4" × 12" × 12" exterior grade plywood
1" × 2" × 4' pine or cedar
12" or 14" × 24" rolled aluminum
Eight 1/2" screws
Rust-resistant nails
Instructions
Measure and cut from 3/4" plywood:
Base: 9" × 10-1/2"
Measure and cut from pine or cedar:
2 sides: 9" long
2 sides: 12" long
Measure and cut from aluminum:
Canopy: 12" × 24"
Drill four 1/4" holes in the plywood for drainage.
Position one 9" side piece against one short end of the plywood. It should be flush with the bottom of the plywood. Nail it in place.
Repeat step 3 with the other short end.
Set one long side piece in place against one of the longer sides of the feeder. The longer piece will overlap the shorter sides. Nail it to the plywood and into the ends of the shorter strips, securing the corners.
Repeat step 5 with the other long side.
Drill four evenly spaced holes through each of the 12" ends of the aluminum.
Position one drilled end of the aluminum in place against the longer side of the feeder tray. Drill four pilot holes into the wood, through the holes made in the aluminum, and insert four screws.
Position the other end of the aluminum against the opposite long side, forming a canopy for your feeder. Drill four pilot holes into the wood and insert four screws.
Attach the feeder to the top of a post.
