22 | DIY Bird feeder with windows! #birdfeeder #diy

My cat likes to watch birds. I like to watch birds. My wife likes to watch the cat watching the birds. We needed a feeder.

Most store-bought feeders are plastic junk that crack in the sun. I wanted one that looked like a rustic cabin but had modern functionality (i.e., I can see when it's empty).

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Material: Western Red Cedar

Cedar is the only choice here. It smells amazing, insects hate it, and it handles rain without rotting. Plus, it's lightweight.

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The Build Process

Step 1: The Grooves (The Window Track)

Before cutting the pieces to size, I routed a 1/8" groove down the length of the cedar boards.

• This is the track where the plexiglass sides will slide in.
• Safety: Do this on a wider board, then rip it to size. Trying to route a groove on a tiny 1-inch strip is a great way to lose a finger.

Step 2: The Hopper Shape

I cut the sides at a slight angle so the seed funnels down to the feeding tray.

Step 3: Assembly

I glued the frame together using waterproof wood glue (Titebond III). I slid the plexiglass windows into the grooves. Crucial: Do not glue the plexiglass! Plastic expands in the heat much faster than wood. If you glue it, the feeder will explode/crack in the summer. Let it float in the groove.

Step 4: The Roof

I made the roof hinged on one side using two simple nails acting as pivot points. To refill, you just flip the roof up and pour seed in.

Step 5: Drainage

I drilled several 1/4" holes in the bottom tray. If rain gets in, it drains out. Wet birdseed creates mold, which kills birds. Keep it dry!

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The Visit

Within 4 hours of hanging it, we had Chickadees. Within 8 hours, we had a squirrel. (The war against the squirrels is a topic for another project).

Conclusion

A fun afternoon build. It’s rewarding to make something that interacts with nature.