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If you're
a lover of nature, you'd probably agree that the more species
of birds you can get to visit a bird feeder in your yard,
the happier you'll be. If that's the case, here's a uniquely
designed feeder that you can load with up to four different
types of seeds to bring a variety of birds within easy sight.
Just match the birds you choose to attract with the seeds
they prefer to eat. We've even provided a brief table of seed
types at the end of this article to help you make the right
choices.
How to build
it
Because it's so attractive and should last outdoors indefinitely
without any type of finish, we built our Gourmet feeder out
of redwood. However, any durable, weatherproof wood such as
Western red cedar or cypress would also be fine...though we
would not recommend the use of pressure-treated lumber, due
to its toxicity. The main body of our feeder is made from
3/4" stock, while the windows (J)
compartment dividers (K)
and edging (M)
are cut from 1/4" plexiglass or similar see-through plastic
material.
Start by cutting
the four end pieces (A,B),
deflectors (C),
bottom (D)
and the roof rafter (E)
to length. Follow the pattern in the drawings and use your
bandsaw or scroll saw to form the shapes on the ends (A,B).
Next, rout the 1/4" grooves in the end pieces (A) to accept
the front and back windows (J).
Drill the 1/2" dia. x 3/8" deep holes for the dowel perches
(H) in the
end pieces (A).
Rout a 3/8" deep x 3/8" wide rabbet on the OUTSIDE TOP edges
of the bottom end pieces (A)
-- and the INSIDE BOTTOM edges of the top end pieces (B).
These rabbets help to create a weatherproof seal when the
feeder is assembled. You'll need to square the rabbets on
the top end pieces (B)
with a chisel.
Tilt your saw
table to 45 degrees and cut the beveled edges of the deflectors
(C) to form
the pyramid-shape that will keep the seed moving down into
the feeder. Use some small brass or copper brads and weatherproof
glue to assemble these two pieces together, then attach the
assembly to the bottom using brads. Adjust your saw table
to a 30 degree tilt and bevel the top edge of the roof rafter
(E).
Continue...
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