Repurpose An Old Glass Jar Into A Simple Bird Feeder In Minutes

There's something special about watching birds come to eat the seed you've offered at a bird feeder for the first time. It's even more endearing if you've made the feeder yourself, too. There's no need to break out power tools or purchase lumber to make your own bird feeder; an empty, clean glass jar will do the job just fine. The size of the jar opening determines which birds can access it, though many common backyard birds are just as happy to eat from the perch outside the jar.

This project doubles as a small decluttering project, as it uses the jar, plus some rope and an old wooden spoon. It's a nice way to repurpose things you no longer need, giving them a useful life once again. If you're in the mood for a feeder for your other backyard friends, repurpose a Mason jar into a unique feeder for squirrels.

To make the feeder, take a clean glass jar without a label on it, then set a wooden spoon along the side of the jar so the spoon sticks out at both ends. An unadorned wooden spoon is safest for birds, but it can be painted beforehand using a non-toxic paint if desired.

As you set the spoon along the jar, the shallow bowl of the spoon should face the mouth of the jar. Secure the spoon by wrapping craft wire around both the spoon and the jar neck. When wrapped, the spoon should stick out beyond the top and bottom of the jar. Wrap and knot the rope around the top and bottom of the jar, then connect those points with an additional loop to hang the feeder securely. 

Fill the feeder with your favorite birdseed blend or black oil sunflower seed to offer a high-energy meal for birds. To attract bluebirds, use mealworms. A shepherd's hook makes it easy to hang multiple feeders, or to pair a feeder with a hanging basket. If you've enjoyed this project, Mason jars can also be repurposed into farmhouse-style bird feeders designed for tabletops.