Citrus Bird Feeders

As birds ready themselves for their trek south, they are bulking up on everything they can find!  To stay healthy on the trip, and indeed all winter, many types of birds turn to citrus.  They provide much needed antioxidants and help boost their immune system for the season.  Give them a hand by making these easy and pretty citrus bird feeders.

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MATERIAL

I used a scrap 1" x 4" board for this, but you could also use another width.  Here are the dimensions for the double feeder, adjust as needed for the single or the triple.

1" x 4" x 14"

 1" x 4" x 4"

1" x 4" x 3 1/4"

1/4" dowel, 4" - 2

1/4" dowel, 7" - 2

Eye hook

STEPS

Sharpen the ends of the 4" dowels using a pocket knife or a sander.

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Cut a 45 degree angle at the top of the 14" board to create a peak.

Place a ruler on that piece and, starting at the peak, make a mark ever 3" down the center.

Drill a hole with a 1/4" drill bit at each mark (4 holes).

Paint the pieces.

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Line up the smaller roof piece with the top of peak, center it,  and nail into place.

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Add the larger piece, overlapping the edge of the first roof piece.  Screw the eye hook into the peak of the roof.Slip the dowels into the holes, shorter dowel at the top followed by a longer one, and repeat.  If the dowels are tight in the holes, use a rubber mallet to hammer into place.  If they are too loose, use a drop of hot glue in the hole to secure the dowel.

Cut oranges in half, score the peel in the back and slip onto the pointed dowel.

Hang and enjoy seeing our feathered friends getting their vitamin C!