Country Lore: Build a Large Bird Feeder

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PHOTO: NANI JACOBSEN
This large bird feeder will hold 50 pounds of sunflower seed.

Winters are long and cold for our feathered friends. I used to have a small bird feeder that had to be refilled every two or three days. But because I usually buy sunflower seeds in 50-pound bags, I decided to build a large bird feeder that would hold 50 pounds of seed!

I usually put most of the seeds into the feeder and spread a couple of pounds on the ground. Now it’s two-and-a-half to three weeks between feeder fill-ups.

I put a wide roof on the feeder to keep the snow out, mounted it on a slick metal pole to discourage cats and raccoons from climbing up to the seed, and used wire screen to hold the seed in, so I can see if it’s getting close to empty.

This sure has made my life easier — and the birds have a steady supply of food.

Nani Jacobsen

  • Published on Dec 28, 2009
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