Hey there, nature lover! Thinking about sprucing up your backyard and inviting some feathered friends over? The National Audubon Society champions bird conservation, and you can contribute right from your home by building bird feeders houses! These structures, when designed with safety in mind – think avoiding materials like certain plastics that can degrade and contaminate food – become awesome focal points. A simple hammer and some untreated wood are often all you need to create a haven. Soon, your garden will be buzzing with happy birds enjoying a safe and sustainable feeding spot.
Crafting the Perfect “DIY Bird Feeders Houses: Attract Birds Safely!” Article
Alright, let’s break down how to build an amazing article about DIY bird feeders houses that’s both informative and engaging! Think of it like building the bird feeder itself – you need a solid foundation and then you layer on the good stuff. Here’s a structure to get you started:
1. Start with a Hook (Introduction):
- Question: Kick things off with a question that grabs the reader’s attention. Something like, "Want to turn your backyard into a bird paradise? DIY bird feeders houses are your answer!"
- Problem/Solution: Briefly introduce the problem (birds need food and shelter) and the solution (DIY bird feeders houses).
- Highlight Safety: Immediately emphasize the importance of safety for the birds, setting the tone for the entire article.
- What they’ll get: Let them know they are going to learn a few super cool ideas for DIY feeders.
2. Why Bird Feeders Houses? (Benefits):
- Attract Birds: Explain why attracting birds is a great idea (beauty, pest control, nature education).
- DIY Fun: Highlight the rewarding aspects of DIY projects (saving money, personalization, creativity).
- Houses vs. Feeders: Clarify what we are talking about. Is it simply a feeder, or is it a feeder that is also a house?
3. Safety First! (Precautions):
- This is where you really emphasize safety. This section is critical.
- Materials: Talk about safe materials to use (untreated wood, non-toxic glues, no sharp edges).
- Placement: Discuss safe placement of feeders houses (away from predators, easy to clean, protected from the elements).
- Cleaning: Stress the importance of regular cleaning to prevent disease.
- Food: Emphasize the use of suitable food types and the avoidance of potentially dangerous ingredients.
4. DIY Bird Feeder Ideas:
- This is where you get creative and provide detailed instructions!
- Structure Each Idea Similarly: Make it easy for your reader to follow. The ideas could be in a table format with easy to reference info.
- Title: Give each feeder idea a catchy name.
- Brief Description: A short summary of what makes this feeder special.
- Materials List: A clear and concise list of everything needed.
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Detailed, numbered instructions with clear language. You may include pictures, too.
- Safety Tips: Reminders of safety considerations specific to this design.
Here’s a simple structure to follow for each bird feeder idea, and could be in a table format:
| DIY Feeder Idea | Description | Materials Needed | Instructions | Safety Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk Jug Feeder | A simple feeder made from a recycled milk jug. | Milk jug, scissors/knife, string, birdseed. | Cut holes, add a perch, fill with seed, hang it up! | Ensure no sharp edges, hang securely. |
| Pine Cone Feeder | A natural feeder covered in peanut butter and seeds. | Pine cone, peanut butter, birdseed, string. | Cover in peanut butter, roll in seed, hang it up! | Use natural peanut butter, hang securely. |
| Teacup Feeder | An adorable feeder made from an old teacup and saucer. | Teacup, saucer, strong glue, string. | Glue cup to saucer, add string, hang up and fill with seed! | Use weather-resistant glue, ensure stable hanging. |
Consider these feeder ideas:
- Milk Jug Feeder: Simple, budget-friendly, and uses recycled materials.
- Pine Cone Feeder: Natural and easy for kids to make.
- Teacup Feeder: Elegant and charming.
- Orange Peel Feeder: Uses citrus fruit to create a biodegradable feeder.
- Gourd Birdhouse Feeder: Uses a dried gourd to create a natural birdhouse and feeder combination.
5. DIY Birdhouse Ideas:
- Follow the same structure as the bird feeder ideas section.
- Focus on the unique aspects of building houses.
- Consider these house ideas:
- Simple Wooden Box Birdhouse: Classic and easy to build.
- Gourd Birdhouse: Natural and unique.
- Upcycled Birdhouse: Made from old license plates, boots or anything else you can think of!
- Mason Jar Birdhouse: Made from a mason jar and some wood.
- House Hole Size: Add a tip of a correct size hole for a birdhouse, based on the bird you want to attract!
6. Food Considerations (Types of Seed, What to Avoid):
- Seed Types: Explain the different types of birdseed and which birds they attract (sunflower seeds, thistle, peanuts, etc.).
- Things to Avoid: Highlight foods that are harmful to birds (bread, processed foods, salty snacks).
- Water: Don’t forget the importance of providing fresh water!
7. Maintaining Your Bird Feeders Houses (Cleaning, Repairs):
- Cleaning Schedule: Suggest a regular cleaning schedule to prevent disease.
- Cleaning Methods: Provide safe and effective cleaning methods.
- Repairs: Offer tips on how to repair damaged feeders houses.
8. Observing and Enjoying (Bird Watching Tips):
- Bird Identification: Encourage readers to identify the birds that visit their feeders houses.
- Observation Tips: Suggest times of day for best viewing and how to create a comfortable viewing spot.
- Photography: Offer tips on photographing birds in your backyard.
I hope this helps you craft a fantastic and informative article about DIY bird feeders houses that will attract birds safely and bring joy to your readers. Good luck, have fun, and happy building!
FAQs: DIY Bird Feeders Houses: Attract Birds Safely!
What materials should I avoid when building DIY bird feeders houses?
Avoid treated lumber, as the chemicals can be harmful to birds. Also, steer clear of materials that can easily splinter or mold, like some softwoods. Choose natural, untreated wood instead for your bird feeders houses.
How high should I place my DIY bird feeders houses to keep birds safe from predators?
Ideally, mount your bird feeders houses at least 5-6 feet off the ground. This height makes it more difficult for cats and other ground predators to reach the birds.
What type of food should I put in my DIY bird feeders houses to attract different species?
Sunflower seeds attract a wide variety of birds, while thistle seeds are a favorite for finches. Suet cakes are great for insect-eating birds during colder months. Experiment to see what works best in your area with your DIY bird feeders houses!
How often should I clean my DIY bird feeders houses to prevent the spread of disease?
Clean your bird feeders houses regularly, ideally every 2-4 weeks. Remove old food and droppings, and wash with a mild soap and water solution. This helps prevent the spread of avian diseases among visiting birds.
So, get those creative juices flowing and start building! With a little effort, you can create safe and inviting bird feeders houses that will bring the joy of birdwatching right to your backyard. Happy building, and happy birding!