The fall season is full upon us and our feathered friends will be either heading south or getting ready for the winter months ahead. Why not create a backyard oasis that will have them coming back for more? We are avid bird lovers in our home. We were delighted when a friend of mine gave us this DIY bird feeder made from a piece of firewood and rope. How easy is that?

Did you know that if you provide a back yard feast, birds will remember your yard as a place to return to when they come back from migrating? It’s a sweet reunion each season. Also, the birds that overwinter will love you for the protein packed goodies.

What a delight it is to see our tree clinging birds (nuthatches, tufted titmice, woodpeckers – not to mention squirrels love it too) come for a visit. We can  see their excitement at the treat they’ve found, especially the birds that overwinter. Did you know that migratory birds will remember your home the next time they’re passing through and will come back again year after year if you continue to provide nourishment for them? It’s like a reunion each spring and winter. Fun!

To create this DIY bird feeder, all you need is a piece of branch or log, a drill, and a few basic materials.

DIY TIME

So, lets grab our materials and get ready to create!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a large chunk of branch or firewood about 3-4″ diameter and 16″ long (this can totally vary)
• 1/4″ diameter rope
• scissors
• drill
• 1″ spade bit
• 5/16″ drill bit

We are blessed, in my opinion, to have a fireplace and so we always have a stash of firewood on hand. For your log, you can use a downed branch or head to your own stash to grab a piece of wood.

The tree-clingers prefer a chunky bark, but most any will do.

To start, put your 1″ spade bit into your drill and start about 2″ down from your top edge . Drill a hole approximately 1/2″ deep. Always when using power tools, take necessary precautions.

Once you have your first hole, you are going to drill a second hole on the same face about 6″ below that one.

FIRST STEPS

After that, roll the log over a quarter turn then drill in the next face starting with the first hole about 5″ from the top and then the second 6″ below that one. This does not have to be exact and give a more rustic feel when randomly chosen.

Repeat those steps until you have two sets of matching faces on opposing sides. Now you will need to drill your rope hole using the 5/16″ bit. Starting on the face that has the first hole 5″ down, drill your rope hole 2″ from the top, making sure to go completely through the log.

Next, you’re ready to add your rope. Cut a 2′ or longer piece and thread it into the hole. Turn the rope in the direction of the braid (counter-clockwise) while inserting it, that will help the rope go through smoothly.

Once through, tie the rope in a basic knot.

NEXT PART

On to the fun part! Since birds burn a ton of protein flitting about, they need to store up as much as they can. We prefer to use a chunky peanut butter and then roll it in seeds like this. (I’m using our old feeder to fill because we intend to give the one we created for this post as a gift)

Grab a tablespoon of peanut butter and place it in a bowl of bird seed.

Then sprinkle the peanut butter with seed.

After coating with the seed, press the mixture into the holes using the back of a spoon. Or if you’re nutty like me (catch the pun?) it’s more fun to use your fingers. tee hee. The kids love this part!

We’re done and it’s ready to hang. Yay!

For a fun twist, you could also add dowels for other species to be able to roost at each hole. For this project I tried to keep it simple because you can DIY!

Got questions? Please feel free to ask. If you enjoyed this DIY bird feeder project, do pin and share!

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

MEWE | PINTEREST | GAB

More DIY bird feeder ideas for you: