The DIY Wreath That Will Have Birds Flocking To Your Yard

Whether you're an avid bird watcher or you simply like the idea of providing a sanctuary for local wildlife, drawing birds into your yard is easier than you think. They need food, shelter, and a water source, and there is an abundance of ways to fill those needs. While traditional bird feeders are effective, they aren't necessarily to everyone's taste, aesthetically speaking. Have you heard of a bird feeder wreath? Swap out traditional wreaths for a stylish yet practical option.

They not only look beautiful on your front door, but they also harbor a food source for local birds. If you're lucky, a bird couple may even choose to nest in the wreath. While you can purchase a bird feeder wreath from places like Anthropologie or specialist retailers like Wild Birds Unlimited, you can also create one yourself for a fraction of the price.

For this project, you need just a few basic materials: a wreath ring, binding string, stub wire, bundles of berries, conifer branches, dried apple rings, peanuts, fir cones, dried florals, peanut butter, and bird seed. There's no need to stop there. Do a bit of research for an even more bespoke wreath. What kind of birds live in your area? Which species are you most interested in observing? The best part about this budget-friendly DIY feeder that will keep birds flocking to your yard is that it's completely customizable. You can add or take away materials at will.

The wreath ring serves as a base for this project. Start by lacing through the bushiest foliage, such as fresh berry branches and conifer branches, and secure them to the ring with binding string. Now you can thread in dried flowers. Pick whatever dried florals you find most attractive. Next, wire on some of the pinecones; set aside a handful of pinecones for later use. Don't throw out spare apples when you could try this easy DIY: create wire skewers with peanuts and dried apples to attach to the ring.

While you can opt for generic birdseed mixes, they often contain tons of filler seeds that birds simply pass over. It's better, wherever possible, to create your own mix. Most birds will eat sunflower seeds, so they're a great option to include if you're open to any and all feathered visitors. If you want to see more cardinals in your backyard, include safflower seeds. To attract finches, opt for nyjer seeds. Do some research into the birds you love most to learn which seeds they enjoy.

Combine your birdseed mix with some natural peanut butter and smoosh it into the pinecones you set aside earlier. Carefully attach these coated cones to your wreath. Make any last adjustments to the wreath so it looks well-balanced visually and add any last-minute additions. Hang it outside and before you know it, birds will be flocking to your yard! As the birds feed, replace the missing food so the wreath continues to draw in feathered visitors.