If you love birdwatching as much as I do, creating a bird-friendly garden can be both fulfilling and rewarding. One of the best ways to attract birds, especially during winter months, is by providing them with food. Rather than spending on expensive bird feeders, why not craft your own? This DIY Wine Bottle Bird Feeder is not only an affordable way to feed your feathered visitors, but it also gives you an excuse to enjoy a nice bottle of wine before putting the empty bottle to good use!
This easy project combines recycling with functionality, and it’s a great way to attract birds to your garden. Plus, with just a plank of wood and an empty wine bottle, you’ll have a feeder that not only nourishes the local birds but looks great in your yard too.
What You’ll Need:
Tools:
- Saw
- Hammer
- Drill with a hole saw fitting
- Tape measure
- Rasp
- Sandpaper
Materials:
- One empty wine bottle (enjoying it first is optional but encouraged!)
- One 1-meter, 20cm-thick plank (approximately 40cm wider than your wine bottle)
- Screws and panel pins
Step 1: Cut the Backboard and Support Sections
Measure and cut your backboard, table, and neck supports. The backboard should be 150mm longer than your wine bottle, and the neck supports 10mm wider than the bottle for a secure fit.
Step 2: Create the Neck Hole
Using a hole saw, cut a hole in the neck support section. Make sure the hole is just large enough to fit the neck of your wine bottle snugly. Smooth the edges using a rasp or sandpaper for a cleaner finish.
Step 3: Attach the Table to the Backboard
Screw the table section to the bottom end of the back support. This will act as the base where the birdseed will rest.
Step 4: Add Edging to Prevent Seed Spillage
To reduce the amount of spilled seed, attach three edges of 10mm-wide plank (or spare beading) around the table. This creates a lip that helps keep the birdseed contained.
Step 5: Position and Secure the Neck Support
Insert the wine bottle into the neck support, positioning it about 20mm from the table to ensure a steady flow of seed. Once you’re satisfied with the position, screw the neck support securely to the backboard.
Step 6: Add the Base Support
Cut two pieces of plank about 20mm wide and 20mm longer than the bottle’s width. These will act as supports for the bottle’s base. Screw them into position on either side of the bottle.
Step 7: Create a Cross Beam for Added Stability
Cut another 20mm length of wood to act as a cross beam. Ensure the bottle fits snugly but with enough give so it doesn’t rattle. Secure the cross beam to the side supports to complete the base support for the bottle.
Step 8: Attach to a Flat Surface
Once the feeder is assembled, find a suitable spot, like a wall, shed, or tree. Drill and attach the unit to the surface using screws.
Step 9: Fill the Bottle with Seed
Fill your wine bottle with birdseed, and slot it into the neck support with the mouth facing downward. The seed will gradually dispense onto the table as the birds eat.
Final Thoughts:
Creating your own bird feeder using a wine bottle is not only eco-friendly but also a fun weekend project. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply want to bring more wildlife into your garden, this DIY feeder is a fantastic way to nurture your local bird population. Plus, with the added bonus of recycling an old wine bottle, you get to combine your love for nature with your appreciation for a good vintage!