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DIY Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are a decorative way to attract birds to your yard. Even if you are not an avid birdwatcher, the colorful and interesting birds that will visit your bird feeder can become a sight you look forward to seeing every day. In less than half an hour, you can create a functional and attractive bird feeder at home from recycled materials and simple household tools.

Things You'll Need

Coffee can, 3 lb.
2 plastic coffee can lids (3 lb. size)
Can opener
Scissors
Tin snips (or heavy duty scissors)
Tape measure
2 Popsicle sticks
Super Glue
Wire clothes hanger
Bird seed

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the coffee can and lids thoroughly with soap and water.
- 2
  Use a can opener to remove the bottom of the coffee can. The finished product should look like a metal tube.
- 3
  Measure the diameter of the coffee can openings and mark the midpoint by notching with the tin snips on the sides of the can. Continue cutting on this line with the snips to create a 2-inch notch. Cut around the can to remove this section of the can on both sides. The can will look like half of a short can has been connected with half of a large can.
- 4
  Cut both lids in half at their midpoints to create two half-circle lids. Glue Popsicle sticks on the cut edge of the lids and trim as needed so they are flush with the edge of the lid.
- 5
  Unwind the wire clothes hanger and pass it through the can. Reconnect the wire to create a hook for hanging. The long, flat portion of the hanger will rest against the longer half of the can. Use some Super Glue to secure its centered position.
- 6
  Place the modified lids on the shorter half of the can. Lay the can on its side and fill the shorter part of the can with bird seed. The lids will keep the seed from falling out and the Popsicle sticks will act as perches for the birds as they eat.
- 7
  Hang the feeder from a tree or hook on your porch.

Birding