DIY Projects For You and Dad this Father’s Day

Attracting birds to backyards or balconies doesn’t just give us a glimpse of why birdwatchers love them. It also helps the birds. We can provide nourishment they need and a cool, new place to perch for awhile. So why not DIY with Dad this Father’s Day? Or make him a gift that shows off your skills and brings life to his garden.

Solar Fountain/Birdbath

When my husband and I concocted our DIY solar fountain, we were looking forward to the sound of a stream in the city. And we got it. What we didn’t anticipate was how much the sparrows would love our fountain turned birdbath. Our patio is now a regular pit stop for over thirty birds a day who take a dip or drink there.

Here are step-by-step instructions to build your own DIY solar fountain/birdbath.

Bird Feeders

Eco-friendly feeder via Green Living: made from a squash (or other fruit) that can be composted once the birds have had their fill.

Modern feeder via Life on the Balcony: this blogger’s brother made his own version of a designer’s chic feeder. All it takes is some wood and a terra cotta pot.

Recycled plastic bottle feeder via Associated Content: use stuff from around the house like a bottle, popsicle sticks and twine to hang it from a tree.

Prefer to buy? We like this disc from Pigeon Toe Ceramics. There’s a mini-feeder for apartment patios or fire escapes too.

Finally, Cornell’s awesome site, All About Birds, provides just that. Everything you (and Dad) need to know about feeding your feathered friends—after all, the seed you choose is key. You just might be inspired to become a citizen-scientist with its Celebrate Urban Birds program. It’ll only take you ten minutes to become an ornithological observer.

Images via less is more balanced, life on the balcony, associated content, green living and all about birds.