No Tricky DIY: The Easiest And Most Affordable Bird Feeder You Can Make

Attracting a menagerie of wild birds to your backyard can be a thrill — a close-up peek at the animal world and the beauty of nature. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, approximately 59 million Americans set out some manner of feed to attract red-breasted American Robins, cooing Mourning Doves, Northern Mocking Birds, White-breasted Nuthatches, bright yellow American Goldfinches, and many more. Birds are more than fluttering entertainment; they're also creatures that need to feed — and there are benefits to having a bird feeder in your yard. The kinds of birds you want in your yard are eco-friendly pest control for your garden — gobbling up grasshoppers, aphids, weevils, whiteflies, and even slugs and snails. They pollinate flowers and fruit trees. Their droppings serve as fertilizer, and they drop seeds to perpetuate other species of plants and fungi.

You may already be an avid provider for these winged visitors, or you may be searching for budget-friendly, DIY bird feeders, but the simplest and least expensive of all options may be sitting in your kitchen pantry right now. It's natural, unsalted peanut butter, and if you've got a tree or branch to spread it on, you're in business. Many backyard birds are attracted to the scent and taste of peanut butter and will happily perch for a taste. It's nutrient- and protein-rich energy that's easy for them and easy for you.

Cool months before the first frost are the ideal time to try this out. It's too cold for the peanut butter to melt and attract flies and, from a bird's perspective, the timing couldn't be better. The simple act of this bird feeding technique can help backyard birds get through the time of year when food sources become scarce, the insect population subsides, vegetation dies off, and birds lose necessary body heat from outdoor temperatures. As days shorten, there are even fewer hours to forage, so this allows them to maximize the daylight hours. Some birds are just passing through; those who need help during migration season can get a nutrient-rich boost from this peanut butter pitstop before soaring off to their warm-weather destination. It's also less likely to melt or attract flies

There are a few extra things to consider as you slather a tree with peanut butter: be certain it hasn't expired, is free of additives, and consider mixing in some bird seed. Apply it near a branch for birds to perch upon as they eat. Black oil sunflower seeds, in particular, are one of the best seeds to attract a range of backyard birds. Having native plants in your yard can also contribute to a bird- and pollinator-friendly habitat, boosting your chances of attracting some new, feathered friends. Keep cats indoors and away from the area and, if you do opt for mixing in seeds, sweep up discarded seeds and shells beneath the feeding area so you don't accidentally attract raccoons, rodents and other predators.