Spring has officially arrived and, along with the warmer weather and longer days, we’ve seen many migratory birds return to our backyard. To celebrate Earth Day (April 22), we decided to make a recycled bird feeder!
We enjoy watching our feathered friends and keep a few bird feeders out to attract them. You can too! Learn how to make your own recycled bird feeder with our simple craft instructions below.
What you’ll need:
- Two plastic soda bottles (they don’t have to be identical but similar shapes/sizes work best for this craft; you won’t need the caps)
- One plastic lid (a yogurt container lid or similar works well)
- Craft knife / Scissors
- Sharpie
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Super glue or Gorilla glue
Before you begin, make sure to wash your plastic soda bottles and container lid. Use dish soap and warm water to remove any residue.
How to Make Your Own Recycled Bird Feeder
Using a ruler or measuring tape and Sharpie, draw a rectangle that’s about 1 inch wide and 2 inches tall near the base of one of the plastic soda bottles. Try to leave at least half an inch of room at the base of the bottle, below your rectangle.
Repeat on the opposite side of the soda bottle.
Carefully cut out these rectangles using a craft knife or scissors.
Next, measure one inch above the top of your rectangular cutouts and make a mark with the Sharpie to guide your cutting.
Cut off the top half of the bottle and set aside. What’s left is the bottom of your recycled bird feeder.
Now, glue the bottom of the bird feeder to the plastic lid. Dab a few drops of Super glue or Gorilla glue to the bottom of the soda bottle and adhere it to the center of the plastic lid.
Set this aside until the glue dries completely.
Grab your second soda bottle and the craft knife or scissors.
Flip the second bottle upside down, then carefully cut a slit three-quarters of the way around the base of the bottle so that it can be lifted open. This will allow you to fill your recycled bird feeder with seed.
Place the second bottle upside down inside the bottom of your bird feeder. Make sure to leave some space between the bottles so that bird seed can funnel down.
Now glue the two bottles together. Dab glue around the rim of the first bottle and secure the second bottle in place until completely dry.
Lastly, bend the top of your bird feeder and fill with bird seed. Tip: the top of your first soda bottle makes a great funnel for filling your recycled bird feeder!
Hanging Your Recycled Bird Feeder
Your recycled bird feeder can be placed on a step, balcony or any other flat surface that’s under some cover. Anywhere will work, as long as the bird seed won’t get wet when it rains. If you prefer to hang your bird feeder, here’s how.
What you’ll need:
- A wire hanger
- Pliers
- A nail
First, use the nail to poke a hole approximately 2 inches from the top of your recycled bird feeder. Repeat on the opposite side of the bottle.
Carefully unfold the wire hanger and use the pliers to cut a piece long enough to hang your bird feeder. It should be about 6-8 inches long.
Next, push the wire through the hole on each side.
Finally, use pliers to bend the wire ends inside the feeder so they are secure.
Now you can hang your recycled bird feeder and enjoy watching your new feathered friends!
More fun & tips
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