A bird table is a kind of bird feeder that allows you to put all sorts of food and scraps into it for the birds in your garden. Most bird tables are made of wood, though you can buy some made of plastic. Usually bird tables have flat spots for the birds to sit while they eat, which is different from tube birdfeeders that have rungs where the birds perch. While you can find designs for a hanging bird table or a plastic one, this one is for a wooden bird table.
Step 1 – Pick a Spot
You want your bird table’s position to have the following qualities:
- It should be out in the open and away from trees so squirrels don’t eat the food.
- It should be in a place you can see it from your window, both to monitor who eats from the table and to watch the birds.
- It should be away from other animals’ kennels, cages or usual roaming spots, so as to coax birds to it.
Pick your perfect spot, and get ready to put in your fence post.
Step 2 – Put in the Post
Have your helper hold up the fence post straight so you can climb up your ladder and hammer the post into the ground. It should go in deep enough to be firmly in the ground. For a 9-foot post, you want it to go into the soil at least a good 1 1/2 feet. For a longer post, hammer it deeper into the soil.
Step 3 – Make Table
Now cut your trim down to fit the edges of the square board. Use a brad nailer or a hammer and brads to tack it onto the edges. This will help keep the food in one place and will also give perching birds a place to perch.
Step 4 – Assemble and Fill the Bird Table
Lay your table board on top of the post, and screw it in with your 2-inch screw. Make sure it’s tight; you don’t want your table to spin in the wind.
Put some bird seed, suet, or table scraps (like stale bread) on the table and walk away.