My bird puzzle feeder is a fun and novel way to observe backyard birds. When given a challenge, birds show persistence, determination, and how clever they are---or not, LOL. In my new Bird Puzzle Feeder video, you’ll enjoy nine different species, from darling titmice to badass orioles. For a list of simple, inexpensive DIY items, see below.
Birds as performance art
During my first 25 years of gardening in rural Southern California, other than noticing repetitive squawks like a rusty hinge, I was oblivious to birds. The closest I came was collecting ornamental bird houses and turning bird baths into succulent planters.
Finches snarf seed from hanging pots (by Alicia Iraclides).
Then we had a houseguest—my MIL—whose sole interest in the garden was its birds. I set up a feeder and quickly became captivated...then disappointed that commercial feeders don't do justice to flying jewels. So I made my own. See some of them in my earlier YouTube video: Create Beautiful Feeders for Backyard Birds (5:01).
Determined to get some suet cake, this scrub jay did a beak-stand.
Why a bird puzzle feeder?
During Covid, I wondered: What if birds did more than munch? How could I better savor and showcase their intelligence and quirkiness? As a challenge, I put food at the bottom of a wire basket. They could see enticing tidbits but not get to them---not directly. It took some longer than others, but all figured it out. (Well, except for one. Let's just say California towhees are not the brightest.)
Titmice' large eyes make them adorable. They go nuts (forgive the pun) over raw peanuts.
DIY supplies
I found the heavy-gauge, black wire basket at a thrift store and used floral wire to make gaps smaller. Find a similar "farmhouse egg basket" on Amazon. If you make your own, be sure it has no sharp points (use "flush cutters" for smooth, flat, clean cuts). I hung the feeder from a nail in the eaves with a chain of S-hooks. Green floral clay or museum putty secures interior food holders.
THE BASICS:
BIRD FOOD:
Orioles like grape jelly. All others: raw shelled peanuts, sunflower seeds or a suet cake rodents don't like.
MAKE YOUR OWN BASKET:
OPTIONAL: Floral wire, green floral clay
Product links are affiliate.
Enjoy the video
In my new video, Watch Wild Birds Solve a Bird Puzzle Feeder (12:20), you’ll see nuthatches, goldfinches, house finches, two kinds of orioles (so colorful!), titmice (so cute!), jays, grosbeaks, and those with a rusty-hinge call: spotted towhees.
You'll love watching nine different kinds of birds solve the puzzle feeder.
As always, I welcome your comments and questions! ~ Debra
The post Bird Puzzle Feeder: A New Way to Enjoy Your Garden appeared first on Debra Lee Baldwin. Copyright © Debra Lee Baldwin.
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