DIY Flowerpot Bird-Feeder

Carolina Chickadee

I'm preparing a class for the Master Gardener chapter that I'm a member of on making bird-feeders utilizing natural sources, recycled materials and re-purposed items. Of course the best bird-feeder is what nature provides: nuts, seeds and fruit from native trees, shrubs and wildflowers (and native insects)... Here's my hand-out for my "bird" talk I give:  Creating a Bird Garden

But - this class is all about creating bird-feeders and I've been trying a few DIY feeders I've found over the Internet. I found the DIY instructions for this "Flowerpot Feeder" on Birds and Blooms website; here's the link:  Flowerpot Feeder

I basically followed the same look of the inspiration feeder, but changed things up a bit and added my own twist...

Supplies:

• Terracotta or clay flowerpot and two saucers. I used an orchid pot (which has pre-drilled holes), but I also made one out of an azalea pot and drilled seed holes (any flowerpot that you have on-hand and want to re-purpose as a feeder will work). The saucer needs to cover the top of the flowerpot (as a lid). 
• Glass and tile drill bits (1/2" for seed openings, 1/8" for hanging)
• 3/32" vinyl coated wire rope (about 2 feet) 
• 1/8" ferrule and stop set
• Pliers

Start by drilling 1/8" holes in the center of each saucer. It's pretty easy to drill these holes with the appropriate drill bit. I also added 3 drainage holes in the base saucer with the same bit. Use the 1/2" bit to drill three seed holes about an inch from the bottom of the flowerpot.Thread the wire rope through the top saucer, flowerpot and base saucer. Using pliers clamp the ferrule and stop onto the wire at the base and top.

If you re-purpose a flowerpot and saucers, this feeder will cost you about $2.00!

I added a few "embellishments" to my feeder... I love how it turned out and my backyard birds seem to approve also!

Male Red-bellied Woodpecker

Male Red-bellied Woodpecker

American Goldfinches