This homemade suet/mealworm feeder is based on a design by Fawzi Emad and Haleya Priest. See plans. It was made by Tom and Liz Cooksey's woodworking neighbor Joe. He used scrap wood, and then it was stained and sealed. A plastic box lid protects the roof. Eye hooks prevent squirrels from opening the top (I also use a wobbling baffle to prevent squirrels from chewing up the wood when trying to get at suet.)
This photo shows the mealworm/suet container inside the feeder
Notice that it offers several entry options - over the Plexiglas, through the hole, or through the jail style sides. This pair prefers entering through the jail side, and occasionally go through the round hole. This feeder will exclude Starlings and Mockingbirds.
Liz said the only thing she'd change on the design would be to use real glass, as the Plexiglas has gotten pecked to the point where it is hard to see inside. She might also make the interior back wall a lighter color (maybe with a piece of light colored plastic?) to be able to see inside better as long as it would not discourage or harm the birds in any way.
This feeder is mounted on a flange. Bluebirds may prefer pole-mounted feeders to the less stabile, "swinging in the wind" set up.
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"Joe's Cafe"
