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How to Build a Hobby Birdhouse & Feeder

Everyone can appreciate the sound of birds singing and the sight of them merrily going about their work. Create a bird-friendly environment in your yard to encourage birds to return more often, adding beauty and natural charm to the space. Adults and children can build a birdhouse and feeder together with some everyday materials and a little bit of ingenuity. Create an appealing home and feeder for birds that will provide a fun and rewarding experience for many years to come.

Things You'll Need

Hammer
Nails
Wood paint (color is personal choice)
Large drill bit
Saw
Softwood board
Wooden dowel rod

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut a large square using the saw.
  
  Cut a large square from your softwood board using the saw. This will be used as the base of the birdhouse and feeder. The size depends on where the birdhouse will hang and how much room is needed for the birds you wish to attract.
- 2
  
  Nail a 1-inch strip of wood around each side of the base.
  
  Cut 1-inch strips of softwood board to fit around the perimeter of the base to hold the birdseed. Nail the strips around each side of the base.
- 3
  
  Nail the sides to the back piece.
  
  Cut four squares of equal size for the sides, front and back. Nail the sides to the back piece, keeping the pieces perpendicular to one another. Each side should form a 90 degree angle when affixed to the back wall of the birdhouse.
- 4
  
  The size of the hole depends on the type of birds you wish you attract.
  
  Drill a medium sized hole through the center of the square the square for the front wall. The size of the hole depends on the type of birds you wish to attract.
- 5
  Cut a 1-inch long piece from the wooden dowel rod using the saw and place one end against the front wall, one inch below the drilled circle. Use the hammer to nail the dowel rod to the wall from the side that will be the inner wall.
- 6
  Nail the front wall, with the dowel rod on the outside, to the birdhouse, affixing it to the sides. Once completed, you should have a square made by all four sides of the birdhouse.
- 7
  Place the birdhouse upside down on top of a table. Place the base on top of the walls and hammer one nail into each wall to attach it.
- 8
  Cut another piece of wood to serve as the ceiling and nail it to the top of the birdhouse.
- 9
  
  Paint the birdhouse.
  
  Paint the birdhouse whatever color you desire. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours.
- 10
  
  Fill the base with birdseed.
  
  Fill the base with birdseed, hang the birdhouse and feeder outside, and watch the birds.

Birding