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Attract Life to your Garden

One way to keep insects at bay in your garden is to attract birds, which can be done using a bird feeder. Following is a simple design for one.

Method

  • Select a piece of 22×222 SA pine about 300mm long and, using waterproof glue and two brass screws per side, attach 44x9mm cover strips along each edge.
  • Cut two uprights about 350mm long and cut one end of each into a 45/90/45 degree arrow head shape.
  • Attach each upright to the base, using waterproof glue and two screws per side to secure.
  • Measure and cut to size two roof sections. The one must be trimmed to the thickness of the wood so that the roof is even (If one side of the roof is 350mm long by 350mm wide and the wood used is 12mm thick, for example, then if the long side overlaps at the peak, the other half of the roof must be 338mm wide) Adapt these dimensions as required depending on how wide you make the roof and how thick the timber that you are using is. There should be sufficient overhang to keep the seed dry.
  • Cut the 32×32 peak bar to fit snugly between the uprights and attach the roof halves using glue and three brass screws per half to secure the join.
  • Now attach the roof assembly to the uprights, using glue and screws to secure.
  • Apply the finish of your choice.
  • Drill a hole through the top, in the centre of the roof and attach a stout cord.
  • Hang the feeder in a tree in an area that cats cannot reach and fill the tray with seed.
  • After a while you’ll have birds flocking in.

How to build a birdhouse

Shopping List

  • 22X222 SA Pine (300mm long)
  • Waterproof glue
  • 2 x brass screws
  • 44x9mm cover strips
  • 2 x uprights (350mm long)
  • Bird Food / Seed
  • String
  • Paint / Varnish

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