The Martha Stewart Show

Gourd Bird Feeder

The Martha Stewart Show

David Mizejewski joins Martha to make a bird feeder out of a gourd.

Gourd Bird Feeders

Fall is the best time to start a bird-feeding program that will last until spring. As the temperature begins to drop, the natural food supply dwindles, forcing birds to look for alternative sources to get them through the cold winter months. A feeder put out in the fall is sure to become a regular stop on birds' winter feeding rounds. The foods birds love include black-oil sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, cracked corn, peanut butter, thistle, fruit, and shelled sunflower seeds.

Gourd Shelter
Small birds, such as finches and pine siskins, will appreciate the protection from predators that this feeder offers. Dried gourds can be purchased from gourd farms.

Tools and Materials
9-to-15-inch bottle gourd, dried
Pencil
Paper
Craft saw
Drill and 3/8-inch bit
4 sturdy twigs
Waxed twine
Upholstery needle

Gourd Feeder How-To
1. Loosen dried gourd seeds by slapping the gourd with your palm. Draw the shape of a window opening on paper, and cut it out; trace it onto the gourd's surface four times.

2. Use a craft saw to cut along tracings. Shake out gourd seeds. Drill a hole beneath each opening, and find twigs that will fit snugly inside them; insert twigs. Drill two holes, one on either side of the gourd's neck. Thread twine through holes with an upholstery needle; loop over tree branch.

3. Hang feeder under some sort of shelter, so that the seeds stay dry and don't become moldy. You may also like to drill two holes on the base of the gourd to encourage water drainage.

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The Martha Stewart Show

Gourd Bird Feeder

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