How Do I Build Window Feeders?

A window feeder is a way to get a closer look at the wild birds in your area. Feeders are easy to build and provide an important source of food, especially in the harsher months of the year. You can find specific plans for building many kinds of feeders on the Internet.

Types of Window Feeders

• Window feeders that you can easily build include hummingbird feeders, suet feeders, windowsill tray feeders and seed feeders. You can construct them using simple tools, materials and techniques. A windowsill tray can be constructed from a length of pine, for example. You can adapt your feeder to include a shelter for the birds, if you wish.

Benefits

• Building your own feeder can save you money and allows you to customize the design to suit your location and your home. You can choose materials that are appropriate for the local climate and construct a feeder that is custom-made for the birds in your region. Unlike a store-bought feeder, your feeder can be designed and decorated so that it is in harmony with your home's appearance.

Considerations

• Possible drawbacks include the mess the birds make being nearer your house than with other feeders. If the feeder is cleaned regularly this should not be a problem. When building your feeder, design it so that it is easy to sweep off debris and dirt. Rainwater collecting on the feeder shelf can cause mold and other unpleasant effects. If you build your feeder with a slight tilt, drainage will not be an issue as water will simply run off. Make sure your design isn't too heavy for the structure that will support it.

Materials

• Good materials for a window feeder include metal, plastic and wood. Wood is perhaps the easiest to work with and the most durable. You may need to treat the wood so that it is weather resistant. Make sure that any wood treatments, varnishes and paints are nontoxic to birds. Use water-based treatments and allow them to dry thoroughly before installing the feeder. For similar reasons, you should avoid using old wood that has already been painted or treated.

Installation

• The simplest design to install is a plank cut to fit very snugly in an exterior window frame. The pressure of the frame holds the plank in place. Alternatively, you can use brackets. You can fasten these to the top of the main shelf and screw them to the window frame. If you fasten them to the bottom of the shelf, you will need to drill into the masonry or cladding below the window to secure them.