“What’s the most creative DIY bird feeder you’ve made for your sanctuary? How did you construct it, and which birds did it attract?”
A mason jar suspended
I’ve seen some images of mason jar bird feeders floating around on the internet and decided to take a crack at one myself, except using a mason jar suspended on its side and filled with bird seed for a bit of an easier and faster take on this. I essentially just hung the mason jar on its side using a wider piece of leather, though I’ve seen this done using ribbon or twine as well! Whatever you have lying around will work so long as the jar is held snugly in place. I also used a wooden dowel wrapped against the bottom side of the jar to provide a little perch.
I love this feeder because it seems to attract lots of smaller birds that I often see getting bullied or chased away from my more traditional feeders. I think they like that they can hop inside and feel more protected! I’ve seen lots of chickadees especially, which is great because they are some of my favorite birds to watch.
Ryan Farley, CEO, LawnStarter
Repurposed teacups and saucers
Repurposed teacups and saucers make for charming and functional bird feeders, adding a whimsical touch to the sanctuary. Hanging them with sturdy twine ensures durability while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. Filling them with a mix of seeds and dried fruits attracts a variety of bird species. Using recycled materials like old mason jars or wooden pallets aligns with sustainability goals. Creative designs not only serve the birds but also enhance the sanctuary’s visual appeal for visitors.
Teacups were securely glued to their saucers, with holes drilled for twine to create hanging feeders. A mix of sunflower seeds, millet, and dried berries was used to cater to diverse bird preferences. Sparrows and finches were the first to visit, drawn by the seeds, while robins enjoyed the dried fruits. The feeders were hung at varying heights to accommodate different bird species comfortably. This simple yet creative setup became a favorite spot for both birds and sanctuary visitors.
Linda Chavez, Founder & CEO, Seniors Life Insurance Finder
Vintage teapot
Ever turned a recycled mason jar into a bird bistro? I once made a feeder by repurposing a vintage teapot: I screwed the pot to a cedar plank, added drainage holes and mounted the plank on a pole near our garden. Its whimsical shape and bright blue glaze attracted chickadees and goldfinches who perched on the handle and ate seeds from the spout.
The project taught me that a little creativity and attention to detail can set you apart, whether you are welcoming birds or visitors to your website. In SEO, the same principle applies: upcycle existing content, add a fresh twist and you will rank higher, get found faster and convert search traffic into growth. Y’all don’t need a big budget; just a good idea, some local keywords and the willingness to test and measure what attracts the right audience.
Wayne Lowry, CEO, Scale By SEO
Orange-cup feeder
What’s the most creative DIY bird feeder you’ve made for your sanctuary?
One of the most creative feeders I’ve made was a hanging orange-cup feeder. It was both functional and fully biodegradable.
How did you construct it?
I halved a few large oranges, scooped out the fruit, and used the rinds as small natural bowls.
I pierced holes on opposite sides of each rind and tied natural jute twine to hang them.
Then, I filled the cups with a mix of birdseed, oats, dried cranberries, and a touch of natural peanut butter as a binder.
The feeders were hung at varying heights on low branches to attract both ground-feeders and perchers.
It was a fun weekend project that took less than an hour but made a lasting impact.
Which birds did it attract?
We saw a lovely mix of bulbuls, sunbirds, and mynahs, especially early in the morning. The orange scent initially drew them in, and the variety of textures and seeds kept them coming back.
This project not only attracted birds but also became a conversation starter among our local pet-loving community about eco-friendly ways to care for urban wildlife.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like photos or a step-by-step version!
Skandashree Bali, CEO & Co-Founder, Pawland – Award Winning Pet Care Company in UAE
Bubbling stone water
One of the most creative DIY additions I’ve made to my backyard bird sanctuary is a bubbling stone water feature I built myself. It was inspired by my love of natural looking enchanted garden aesthetics — something that felt magical, soothing, not plastic or overly modern.
I bought a large plastic flower pot and used caulk to seal the drainage holes. Dug a hole matching the size of the pot into the ground. Placed the pot into the hole and used a $10 small outdoor fountain pump from Amazon inside. Over the top of the pot I placed chicken wire and pushed it about 3″ down into the pot to make a ledge for slate rock pieces. I pulled the fountain tube up through the middle of the chicken wire and layered in lots of flat stones around it. Next to the pot I did even more stones to make it look like a natural spring and gave the birds and animals lots of rock stairs to get into the bath.
The sound of the running water attracts so many birds and wildlife. I have everything from robins, sparrows, cardinals, finches, and hummingbirds bathing. Chipmunks, rabbits, raccoons and foxes have been seen drinking from it.
It’s become a sanctuary for the animals and my family who get to watch.
During the cold Midwest winters I place a heated birdbath in the same spot so they have water year round.
Jessica Hall, Creator & Social Media Strategist,
Recycled teacup and saucer feeder
most creative DIY bird feeders I’ve made for the sanctuary was a “recycled teacup and saucer feeder. It looks whimsical and worked beautifully to attract local songbirds.
Materials I Used:
A vintage teacup and saucer
Waterproof outdoor glue or ceramic adhesive
Twine, chain, or a small shepherd’s hook for hanging
Birdseed mix (black oil sunflower seeds, millet, safflower)
I glued the teacup to the saucer at a tilted angle, so the handing of the cup is up (to hang).
I threaded heavy-duty twine through the handle for hanging, though for sturdiness, a small chain works better in windy areas.
After drying and curing, I filled the cup and saucer with seed mix and a sprinkle of dried mealworms to attract insect-loving species.
This feeder quickly became a favorite of:
Chickadees
House finches
Goldfinches
Sparrows
It looks pretty and a great way to repurpose
Monika Sangar, Bird Toy Maker, PDS parrot shop
Hollowed-out log
I built a DIY bird feeder using a hollowed-out log, which turned out to be both functional and visually striking in the sanctuary. I drilled a few small holes into the log, filling them with suet and seeds. Then, I attached a sturdy wire loop at the top to hang it securely. The natural look of the log blended perfectly with the surroundings. This feeder attracted woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees—birds that prefer feeding on suet. The design also made it easy to refill, and the hollowed-out sections allowed the birds to cling easily while they fed. Watching them use it was incredibly satisfying, and it became one of the most visited spots in the sanctuary. The simplicity and use of natural materials made it both sustainable and effective.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
