This last summer, I had an idea for a prop to attract songbirds to the backyard for photos. After reading a book on bird photography where feeders were created out of different natural materials, the idea to use driftwood came to mind. Since Dave spends so many days fishing on every lake, not only in Kentucky but in every state close to us and some not so close, I knew he could find a piece of driftwood for me. He did and it didn’t take long.
What does a birdfeeder have to do with photos?
If you take pictures of songbirds, you may have pictures of them on run of the mill birdfeeders. Those are really not so pretty, don’t look so natural, and most of those feeders don’t really do much for photos. This easy to make birdfeeder creates an attractive prop for bird pictures. Imagine the photos you can take using this simple idea!
[ctt template=”8″ link=”dEaaf” via=”no” ]This easy to make birdfeeder creates an attractive prop for bird pictures.[/ctt]
Creating A Feeder Prop For Photos
With the driftwood at hand, deciding what to use for holding bird food and how to attach the container is the next step.
We didn’t have any small cans on hand so I opted for a plastic water bottle. I had to cut it down to be the right size but that is pretty easy. A Vienna sausage can or a small tuna can would have been perfect for this.
Using a drill, I made a hole in the plastic toward the top of the cut bottle. Then, I used a screw to attach it to the driftwood.
In retrospect, a tin can with a little bit of a rim would probably make a better place for the birds to perch. On the other hand, the cut plastic is probably not perfect so the birds are more likely to perch on the driftwood.
The Driftwood Feeder Prop For Photos
Materials needed:
- driftwood
- plastic bottle or tin can
- screw
- drill
Directions:
Decide which side of the driftwood you would like to be visible from the house or your viewing spot. Figure out how small or large the can or plastic bottle should be. You want it to be low enough on the backside that is not visible from the front. Cut down the container if necessary.
Next, toward the top of the opening, drill a hole large enough for a screw to slip through the container. Using a drill fitted with a screwdriver bit, attach the screw securely to the backside of the driftwood.
Place the driftwood feeder in a good spot to be visible from your house or your viewing spot. Be sure to consider your background. Fortunately, trees in the woods make a great backdrop. The neighbor’s backyard is probably not a good backdrop.
Fill with black sunflower oilers or your favorite birdseed. We’ve found that the songbirds seem to like the oilers and some of the larger birds don’t.
When I first placed this DIY driftwood feeder on the deck rail last summer, the birds didn’t seem to be interested. It took a little while and then, they came. As you can see, they continue to come for more seeds.
Click here for more posts on the birds in our backyard.
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That is a really neat idea! I am actually a little upset with blue birds right now. We have an abundance of them around and our car are have become perches and poop stations.
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Lol! I know exactly what you mean! We had a few of those several years ago and at first, I loved watching them. Then, they made such a mess on the deck, I quit feeding them! Fortunately, the songbirds I have now are not so messy. Thanks for visiting!
What adorable photos you’ve shared in this post! The craft is a really great idea, too, and so easy to make. But you are so right, the right backdrop is everything!
Thank you, Allie! The idea came from a book. The book had a much more elaborate plan, carving out a hole, using wood putty, and maybe I’ll try that down the road… For now, the birds seem to like the recycled plastic bottle just fine! Thanks for visiting.