Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
LOOK AT THE BIRDY!
Attract feathered friends to your garden with this simple build
Make your yard a riot of living colour by erecting a bird feeder to attract Australia’s beautiful native species. Built using readily available plywood, it’s based around a small aluminium baking tray – readily available online – so you can easily switch between bird seed or water. Why not double up on your materials? Then you can make a pigeon pair for a bumper bird banquet!
Gather your supplies
• 1220 x 610 x 12mm marine plywood
• 340 x 255 x 25mm aluminium baking tray
• 6mm sisal rope
Components
Base 335 x 250 x 12mm plywood
Base sides 335 x 20 x 12mm plywood (2)
Base ends 226 x 20 x 12mm plywood (2)
Roof posts 350 x 150 x 12mm plywood (2)
Right roof panel 400 x 180 x 12mm plywood
Le roof panel 400 x 168 x 12mm plywood
You’ll also need Exterior PVA glue; drill; countersinking drill bit; 25mm galvanised screws; jigsaw; sander; clamps; exterior wood filler; exterior stain in Charcoal; painting equipment
For you to note Check the exact size of your tray and adjust the dimensions if required.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Sit base sides and base ends on workbench to form a rectangle that matches the dimensions of the base. Spread PVA glue on top edges of these pieces then sit base on top. Predrill and screw through base to join using 25mm screws.
STEP 2 Mark out shape of roof posts. From the centre of 1 end, draw lines on a 45˚ angle towards the sides to create a slope on the roof. Also draw curves along the sides, using a bucket as a guide. Start the curve where the slope meets the side and adjust so it is about 50mm deep. Cut roof posts using a jigsaw and cut roof panels.
STEP 3 Use a sander to smooth the cut edges and faces of all components.
STEP 4 Spread glue on boom end of 1 roof post, hold against centre of 1 end of base assembly and clamp.
Predrill and screw in place. Repeat with other roof post. STEP 5 Clamp le roof panel to side of bench so long edge is flush with top of bench. Spread glue along this edge then sit right roof panel on top. Predrill and screw roof panels together.