Avian eatery: Making a bird feeding station from an upcycled tin
Feeding birds is in winter isn't only a nice way to make their life a little easier, it also offers a "unique opportunity for experiencing nature and learning about the environment," says the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU).
"The birds can be watched closely at feeding stations. Feeding is not simply an experience, but also teaches people about the species."
Well then. If you're ready to get into the game, there's no need to buy a bird feeder. Instead, you can recycle a tin can into a bird feeding station. Craft experts at Germany's DIY Academy have come up with instructions for your own avian eatery.
Making your own bird feeding station step by step
You will need an empty, clean metal or tin can, two plastic lids that fit the tin, artificial grass fabric, a Shashlik stick or twig, birdseed, double-sided sellotape, a rope for hanging, superglue, scissors and a tin opener.
Step 1: Rinse the empty tin and remove the bottom. To do so, you should use a can opener that cuts smoothly without leaving sharp edges. If you don't have a suitable opener, the birds will have to make do with just one entrance.
Step 2: Cut the fabric roughly to the dimensions of the tin. Stick two strips of double-sided adhesive tape onto the tin, remove the protective film, place the fabric around the tin and press down firmly. Cut off any excess fabric using the scissors.
If you don't have artificial grass fabric, remove the label. You can now either paint the tin or cover it with twigs. Ensure that any material used is suitable for outdoors.
Step 3: The plastic lids are to ensure that the birdseed stays inside the tin, which will be suspended sideways. To do so, cut off a third of each lid, put some superglue on the edge of the cut piece and stick into the tin's opening, leaving two thirds of the can's diameter for the birds to stick their heads through. Repeat with the second plastic lid if you are working with two openings and stick to the bottom of the can.
The birds will now be able to snack on the birdseed while perched on the cut lids. If you want to make it easier for them to land, you can attach a stick or twig lengthways under the tin.
Step 4: Pull the rope through the tin and hang your feeding station in a tree or find a space where the birds are sheltered from cats or other animals. Put some birdseed inside and enjoy the spectacle from a distance or indoors.
Make sure to check on your bird feeder from time to time as wet birdseed can turn mouldy and should be removed immediately. Wash out the tin regularly to prevent diseases.
