Building and maintaining a sugar-water bird feeder in your garden is one small way you can help sustain our shrinking bird populations while witnessing the joys of our natural world
As our natural world and its bird populations shrinks with the ongoing onslaught of human development, there are some things we can do to ensure our flighted friends can survive the winter. Sugar water bird feeders can provide a vital food source over the cold months when their natural nectar food sources are limited. Bear in mind that a sugar water feeder will only provide food to those birds which naturally get their food from flowers.
By providing a steady supply of sugar water, you can enjoy the delights of watching these vibrant and active creatures while knowing you are helping their survival over the winter months till warm weather and flowering comes again. I personally recommend not feeding birds in the summer months when their natural food sources are available to them. This ensures that their natural nesting and flight patterns are not disturbed.
You can also hang a half peeled apple or other soft sweet fruit for the birds to peck at. Peeling half the apple ensures small birds can peck at the flesh of the fruit
Grain feeding birds like finches and other similar birds which have strong short beaks for cracking seeds will need different feeding mechanisms like the image to the right.
In the U.S., birds that are particularly attracted to sugar water feeders include hummingbirds, and orioles, which are easily recognizable by their bright orange and black coloring. Other species may also visit these feeders, especially during migration periods when they need extra energy for their long journeys.
Use a ratio of one part sugar to four parts water. Plain white sugar is safest and best for birds, dissolving the sugar in clean warm water while stirring before you put the feeder back into the garden. Proper positioning of the feeder—away from areas exposed to strong winds or direct, intense sunlight and high and far enough away from cats and other predators can also make a significant difference in attracting and maintaining a healthy bird visitor population.
Each time before you refill the feeder, make sure you wash it thoroughly in clean warm water and scrub it with a pot scrubber reserved for the purpose, to get rid of bird poo and other contaminants that could place the health of the birds at risk. Salmonella among other diseases from bird poo can kill birds. Regular maintenance and proper hygiene practices is also essential to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria that could be detrimental to the birds’ health.
Materials and Tools Needed
Sugar water feeders can be easily adapted from chicken feeders as shown in the original photo, purchased cheaply from online distributors such as Aliexpress. Then all you need to do is drill two holes in the top attachment to the feeder and then loop strong fence wire through the holes with which the feeder can be hung on a tree or other garden area. If you’re attaching the feeder to a tree a spring loaded hook or carabiner as in the photo below, can be bought cheaply from a $2 store, which allows you to easily keep it securely attached to the tree and then allows you to easily unhook the bird feeder when you need to clean and refuel the feeder.
Alternatively you can create your own sugar water bird feeder using materials which may already be available in your household.
The following section provides a list of what you’ll need.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Building a sugar water bird feeder is a fun and rewarding project that even beginners can accomplish with ease. Follow these detailed steps to create a functional and safe feeder for your winged visitors.
Materials Needed:
1. A plastic bottle (1-liter capacity or more)
2. A shallow dish or bowl
3. Wooden dowels (for perches)
4. String or wire (for hanging)
5. A small drill or something to puncture the plastic
6. Hot glue gun
7. Scissors or a knife
Step 1: Preparing the Bottle
Start by cleaning the plastic bottle thoroughly to ensure it is free of any residues that could harm the birds. Using a drill or a sharp object, create two small holes near the bottom of the bottle for the wooden dowels that will serve as perches. Ensure the holes are directly opposite each other and large enough for the dowels to fit snugly.
Step 2: Creating the Feeding Ports
Next, make a few small holes slightly above the perches for the birds to access the sugar water. The size of these holes should allow the birds to reach the liquid without making it spill. Typically, four to six holes should suffice.
Step 3: Attaching the Dish
Using a hot glue gun, firmly attach the shallow dish or bowl to the bottom of the bottle. This dish will catch any dripping sugar water and provide a landing spot for the birds. Ensure the dish is secure and centered.
Step 4: Adding the Perches
Insert the wooden dowels into the holes created earlier. These will serve as resting spots for the birds as they feed. Ensure they are level and extend out far enough to provide a comfortable perch.
Step 5: Preparing the Hanging Mechanism
Create two small holes near the top of the bottle, opposite each other. Thread a piece of string or wire through these holes and tie it securely. This will be used to hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook. Make sure it is balanced to avoid spilling the sugar water.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Testing
Fill the bottle with a sugar water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Screw the cap on tightly (which ensures that the sugar water doesnt come out in a rush) and invert the bottle, making sure all the components are securely in place. Hang the feeder in a visible location and monitor it for leaks or other issues. Making adjustments as needed will help ensure the feeder works correctly and safely.
Remember it will take some time (some a week or more) for the birds to begin to feed from the feeder-they need to be sure the feeder is safe for them. Refilling the feeder with sugar water as soon as possible once its empty, will ensure your local bird population begins to trust the feeder as a reliable food source.
By following these steps, you will successfully construct a sugar water bird feeder that can attract and feed the birds in your locality. And remember to regularly clean the feeder to maintain a healthy environment for the birds.
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