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    Home » DIY Projects

    Make a Bird Feeder that Sticks to the Window

    by Patti Estep · Apr 17, 2023

    Jump to How-to Card
    Window bird feeder with two birds eating over the tray of the bird feeder showing drainage holes.

    This DIY window bird feeder is a simple project to create and is a great way to watch the birds up close and personal.

    Male and female purple finches at window bird feeder

    We like watching the birds in the backyard. It's one of life's simple pleasures.

    I've seen feeders that attach directly to your window online in stores so I thought why not try to DIY it? After all homemade bird feeders are so much fun to create.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there’s no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Drilling holes into a plastic tray.

    How to Make a Window Bird Feeder

    I purchased a small plastic tray online. You might have something lying around the house that would work.

    My husband drilled four holes in the corners of the tray for the rope.

    Plastic tray with large holes in the corners and smaller drainage holes in the middle and sides.

    Then he added several smaller holes for water drainage.

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    Tray with screening in the bottom to hole the birdseed while allowing water to go through.

    I used a bit of old screening material to place on top of the holes. This way the smaller birdseed wouldn't fall through the holes or clog the holes. You could also use landscape fabric.

    Two pieces of sisal rope were then threaded through the corner holes and a knot was tied underneath.

    Window bird feeder with sisal rope and black velcro dots.

    Then two velcro dots were placed on the backside to stick to the window and two small suction cups with hooks were used to attach the ropes.

    Window bird feed pulled away from the window,

    At first, I hung this outside my husband's work window that faces out the back. However, the next morning it was clear that the wily squirrels got into it and eventually pulled it down.

    DIY window bird feeder with white clothesline rope and clear velcro.

    So I tried a different window. This time I used a couple of small pieces of white and clear velcro and some clothesline rope. I think it looks much nicer from the inside.

    Also, I do think it will serve little birds and larger birds alike because the velcro along the tray and the strong suction cups provide good support when attached to a glass window.

    Birds in a homemade window bird feeder.

    What type of Birdseed Do You Use?

    I'm using a wild bird seed that attracts finches (shown above) but also cardinals, sparrows, and other lovely wild birds. It's a mix of millet, corn, peanuts, and black sunflower seeds.

    Homemade window bird feeder with two purple finch birds eating.
    Pair of purple finches

    It took a day or two for the birds to find it but they did. 

    A red cardinal on the DIY window bird feeder.

    It's so much fun watching these lovely creatures enjoy our DIY bird feeder. And so far the squirrels have left it alone.

    Patti signature

    More Bird DIY Projects

    Homemade Bird Suet Cakes

    Water Bottle Bird Feeder

    DIY Natural Clay Birdhouse

    DIY window bird feeder with two purple finch birds eating birdseed.
    Print

    Homemade Window Bird Feeder

    Learn how to make an inexpensive bird feeder that sticks to the window with this easy tutorial. Having a window feeder gives you fantastic views of your feathered friends from inside the home.
    Active Time1 hour hr
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Yield: 1
    Cost: $10

    Equipment

    • Drill
    • Scissors

    Materials

    • 1 small plastic tray
    • clothesline rope
    • small piece of screening or landscape fabric
    • 2 small suction cups with hooks
    • 2 pieces of clear or white adhesive velcro

    Instructions

    • Drill holes into the corners of the tray with a drill bit diameter a little large than your rope.
    • Then drill smaller holes to allow water to drain.
    • Place a small piece of window screen or landscape fabric over the hole to let the water out but keep in the bird seed.
    • Cut two pieces of clothesline rope about 20 - 24 inches and thread one end from the top through one of the corner holes. Tie a knot under the tray to secure it in place.
    • Thread the other end of the rope into the adjacent corner hole and tie a knot.
    • Repeat with the other side.
    • Attach two pieces of velcro to one side of the tray evenly spaced apart.
    • Place the tray in the window by sticking the side with the velcro to the glass and then adding the suction cups above to hold each rope.
    • Add some bird seed and watch as the birds enjoy their feast.

    Notes

    Tip: Make sure you clean the glass well to help the suction cups stick. Also, wet the suction cups slightly before sticking them to the window.
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barbara A Jones

      April 17, 2023 at 1:40 pm

      What a great idea I will definitely make this bird feeder. Thank you for this great craft.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 17, 2023 at 2:32 pm

        Barbara, I'm so glad you like it. I'm really enjoying ours.

        Reply

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    Window bird feeder with two birds eating over the tray of the bird feeder showing drainage holes.
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    Hi!

    I'm Patti

    Join me to create lots of fun DIY projects, including crafts, gardening, home decor, and tasty recipes

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