Coconut Bird Feeders

Here's how to make two natural bird feeders that will blend in with any garden landscape. You can fill either with a variety of foods for the birds.

Mixed bird seed in this coconut feeder attracted the bright little goldfinch, shown at left, within minutes of being set out in the yard. A pair of bluejays, with one shown at right, dropped in for lunch the next day, along with sparrows and chickadees.
The second design (see directions further down the page), has a natural roof to keep the food somewhat protected from rain and snow.

 Items

• coconut
• 6 feet of household twine
• shower curtain ring or hook
• plus cutting tools

Coconut : Pierce at least one of the three darker spots on one end of the coconut to drain out the coconut milk. Then using the blunt, non-chopping side of a cleaver, or a similar implement, to tap all around the center of the coconut until it cracks open, you should get two fairly even sides to use.
If not saving the coconut milk for personal use later, you could also clamp the coconut in a vise and use a hacksaw or hand saw to cut it in half.Once the coconut is open, remove the coconut meat, if desired - or leave in behind as many birds enjoy it.

Make a Hanger
Drill three, equally spaced holes around the rim of the coconut. Thread a 24 inch length of twine through one of the holes, bringing the ends together evenly, twist the two strings together to make one cord and temporarily knot them together at the top.
Repeat with the other two holes, then undo the original knots and knot all the strings permanently together at the end. Before  tightening the knot, make sure that all sides are the same length so  the coconut will hang properly.

 Hanging the Feeder
Use a hook, or a shower curtain ring, to suspend the coconut bird feeder from a tree or large shrub. Ours is suspended on the edge of a large stand of lilacs.
Fill with bird seed and wait for the birds to find their new feeding station!
 Taken from a longer version  By Jane Lake