DIY Wire Mesh Bird Feeder for National Bird Feeding Month

This blog will walk you through the steps of creating a DIY wire mesh bird feeder for National Bird Feeding Month.

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What is National Bird Feeding Month?

National Bird Feeding Month, celebrated each February, is dedicated to encouraging people to provide food, water, and shelter for our feathered friends during the harsh winter months. It raises awareness about the importance of supporting populations and fosters a deeper connection between people and nature. This initiative also promotes birdwatching and highlights the joy of observing local wildlife.

DIY Bird Feeder Step by Step

OVERVIEW

• Experience Required: Low
• Tools Required: Pliers, Wire Cutters, Drill or Bodkin Needle
• Materials Required: Welded Wire Mesh , Cable Ties, Plant Pot Saucers, Threaded Rod, Washers and Nuts

Step 1) Measure the Mesh

• First, measure a 30cm high and 40cm long piece of mesh. 

Step 2) Cut the Mesh

Based on your measurements, cut the mesh.

Step 3) Make a Tube

• Make a tube out of the wire mesh by overlapping the two sides (a section about 2 holes wide).
• Use cable ties to secure the ends at 3 points. 

Step 4) Make Holes on the Bottom Plant Saucer

• Make 2x 2 small holes in the bottom plant pot saucer with a small drill bit (one on the left and one on the right side).
• The small holes are going to be used to tie the tube to the saucer.
• Make a hole with a utility knife in the middle of the saucer that is the appropriate size for the threaded rod. 

Step 5) Tie the Wire Mesh to the Base

• Cut 2 approximately 5-7 cm long wire pieces.
• Place the tube you made on the base and tie it down with the wire through the little holes.

Step 6) Place the Threaded Rod

• Take the threaded rod and run it through the middle hole.
• Slide on a washer and a nut at the bottom and one nut on the inside so the plant pot saucer is held between them.
• Slide another nut on the top of the threaded rod for the top saucer to sit on.

Step 7) Make a Hole on the Top Saucer

• Take the larger saucer and make a hole with the utility knife in the middle of it.
• The size should be appropriate for the rod to go through.

Step 8) Fill the Feeder

• Fill the feeder with bird food before closing it off with the top saucer. 
• Make sure the food doesn’t all fall out the holes.

Step 9) Finish Up with the Top Nut

• Place the top saucer on the tube and secure it with a washer and the hoop nut.

Step 10) Making Perches

• For the perches the easiest and simplest method is to use small sticks.
• Slide the sticks through the holes.
• Make sure that they are long enough that the birds can sit on them.

What Can I Feed to Garden Birds?

• Garden Wildlife Health – Feeding Garden Birds: Best Practice Guidance
  This guide provides comprehensive advice on how to responsibly feed our feathered friends in garden settings. It covers topics such as suitable food types, and the potential impacts of supplementary feeding on health and behavior.
• PetMD – Feeding Birds in Your Backyard
  This article offers advice on attracting and feeding birds in your garden. It focuses on choosing the right feeders, selecting suitable food, and maintaining cleanliness to keep them healthy.
• Audubon – 11 Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds
  Practical tips are shared to help you feed safely and effectively. It includes advice on food choices, feeder placement, and attracting specific species.
• The Wildlife Trusts – How to Feed Birds in Your Garden
  Learn how to feed these little feathered creations responsibly with tips on food types and feeding techniques, ensuring food is always available to meet their changing needs throughout the year, such as feeding their young.
• BTO – Feeding Garden Birds
  This guide provides detailed advice on feeding garden birds throughout the year. It highlights food preferences, seasonal needs, and ways to make feeding stations safe.
• Really Wild Bird Food – What Kitchen Scraps Can I Feed to My Birds?
  Discover which kitchen scraps are safe and nutritious for garden birds. The article also warns against items that could harm them.
• Awesome Wildlife Co. – What Not to Feed Wild Birds: Top Tips
  This piece focuses on foods that should be avoided. It explains why some items can be harmful and suggests safer alternatives.
• Homes & Gardens – Feeding Birds in Winter
• Learn how to support our little feathered friends during the winter months with advice on food and shelter. The article highlights high-energy options to help them through the cold.
• Birds & Blooms – Feeding Birds Kitchen Items
  This guide explores which kitchen items can be safely offered to garden’s visitors. It also shares tips on avoiding harmful foods and creating a balanced feeding routine.
• The Humane Society – Feeding Birds in Your Backyard
  Advice is given on feeding humanely, including choosing proper food and feeder designs. The article stresses the importance of complementing their natural diet.
• The English Garden – Feed Garden Birds
  Feeding garden birds is made easy with expert advice on food, feeder placement, and seasonal care. The article highlights the benefits of helping local populations.
• Love The Garden – What to Feed Birds in Winter
  A guide to feeding birds during winter, focusing on high-energy foods and other essentials. It also addresses providing fresh water and creating a safe environment.
• Ireland’s Wildlife – 9 Tips for Feeding Garden Birds
  This article shares nine simple tips to improve your feeding habits. Topics include food variety, feeder hygiene, and keeping predators at bay.
• Peckamix – What to Feed Garden Birds
  A practical guide to selecting the best foods for garden wildlife, encouraging a varied diet to attract a diverse range of species.
• Green Feathers – What Should I Feed the Birds in My Garden?
  Advice on the best foods to feed, and includes a section with advice on specific foods for particular species.

How Can I Identify Garden Birds?

UK

• RSPB – A-Z of Birds
  This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about a wide range of species. It covers identification tips, habitats, and key behaviours to help you learn more about them.
• The Wildlife Trusts – Garden Birds
  An easy-to-use guide focusing on common species found across the UK. It highlights their appearances, habits, and how to attract them to your outdoor space.
• Peckish – Bird Identifier Guide
  A visual guide to identify, complete with clear images and useful descriptions. Perfect for spotting and recognising various species in your garden or local area.

USA

• ABC Birds – Backyard Birds
  Explore backyard birds across the United States with this engaging blog. It includes tips on identification, sounds, and advice on creating a bird-friendly environment.
• All About Birds – Bird Guide
  This comprehensive online guide offers in-depth profiles on hundreds of species. It includes identification, songs, habitats, and behaviours to deepen your knowledge.
• Audubon – Bird Guide
  A trusted resource for identifying and learning about birds in North America. It features extensive species profiles, complete with photos, range maps, and ecological insights.
• Birds & Blooms – 15 Common Backyard Birds
  A simple guide to identifying the most frequent visitors to your backyard. It includes tips on recognising their colours, calls, and behaviours.
• Birda – Species Guide
  This interactive guide helps you identify species worldwide with ease. It combines beautiful imagery and detailed descriptions for a user-friendly birding experience.

Further Reading

• How to Straighten Rolled Wire Mesh – Follow this guide to find out how to flatten welded netting
• How to Cut Wire Netting – In this guide you will find instructions on how to cut netting with different tools
• Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend – Find out more about our charity event held to celebrate birds and wildlife