This DIY Peanut Bird Feeder Will Encourage Blue Jays To Visit Your Yard
Putting out a bird feeder and watching as you satisfy the hunger of local birds is a great pass time. However, it can be boring to see the same species of dull-colored songbirds day after day. Fortunately, there is a cheap and easy homemade bird feeder that is sure to bring gorgeously saturated blue jays to your yard. With shelled peanuts, a wreath, and some simple craft supplies, you can create a do-it-yourself bird feeder made specifically for these stunning birds.
Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata), are large songbirds. They can be found year-round throughout central and the eastern portion of the United States, and in many portions of Canada. These birds are omnivores, meaning that the majority of their diet consists of vegetation, seeds, and nuts. One of their favorite snacks is peanuts, making this do-it-yourself peanut wreath bird feeder an extremely effective way to invite Blue Jays to pay a visit.
How to make it
First, gather your materials. To make this Blue Jay feeder, you will need shelled peanuts, a needle, thread, and a grapevine wreath. Shelled, unsalted peanuts can be found at your local supermarket, while the rest of the supplies are common craft store items — you can purchase a 14-inch wreath at Michael's for $4.99 and a sewing kit for $6.99.
Once you have all of your materials you can begin assembling your feeder. Start by using your needle to thread your string through the middle of each peanut shell. This will create a peanut garland that you will then wrap around your grapevine wreath and secure by tying each end of the thread together. You can either use extra thread to form a loop at the top of your wreath or use an S-hook from your local hardware store as a way to hang up your feeder. Hang it on either a post or branch and watch as the Blue Jays come flocking to enjoy a quick snack.
Beware of uninvited guests
Hanging bird feeders are tricky for squirrels to reach, but they are far from safe when it comes to these pesky rodents. This do-it-yourself feeder is highly susceptible to squirrels because of its contents. Squirrels are drawn to peanuts, because, like the blue jay, a large component of their diet consists of nuts and seeds.
Fortunately, there is an extra precaution you can take when installing your DIY Blue Jay feeder to ensure that the birds get the peanuts all to themselves. When you hang the feeder from a tree or post, use a baffle. You can purchase one on Amazon for $9.99 with two hooks to easily attach it to a branch and your feeder. With this protective covering, squirrels are much less likely to make their way onto your feeder, and it will keep your birdfeeder safe from storms or snow, and prevent the food from spoiling.