Bird Feeder Pole

I think a bird feeder pole should do more than simply hold up a bird feeder... it should feed more wild birds.

I have used metal feeder poles in the past, but I now consider them a missed opprotunity. After all, I put bird feeders out to attract wild birds. Why not use that space to attract even more birds?

You can call it a bird pole feeder or a woodpecker feeder, but either way, you will attract more wild birds to your feeding station.

This bird feeder pole gives tree clinging birds such as woodpeckers or nuthatches, a place of their own. They can enjoy their favorite types of wild bird food and you get to enjoy watching their fascinating behavior.

This is an easy project that can be completed in a few hours using only a few tools.

Bird Feeder Pole

Materials

4 x 4 wood fence post or log (untreated), the length is up to you.
A few cup hooks
Several 4d finish nails
Suet bird food
Peanut butter
Whole ears of dried corn
Fruit

Process

Drill several 1 1/2 inch holes on all sides of the feeder pole. Drill the holes about 1 inch deep. Drive the 4 or 5 nails on alternating sides and screw in the cup hooks.

You need to decide how you will mount your post. Here is one suggestion. Drive three pieces of steel rebar into the ground. Space them so that they touch three sides of your post. Leave about two feet sticking out of the ground. Use pipe clamps to secure the post to the rebar.

You can easily squirrel proof your bird feeder pole. You will need a three foot piece of galvanized duct pipe and a garbage can lid. Cut a hole in the center of the lid that matches the size of the post. Wrap the duct pipe around the base. Slide the lid onto the bird pole feeder and push it down to the duct pipe. If the squirrels jump onto the lid, simply raise it higher.

Now it is time to add the wild bird treats. You can put peanut butter or your favorite homemade suet bird food in the holes that you drilled. Use the nails for dried corn cobs and use the hooks for fruit, suet cages or a bird seed wreath.

Now you can mount the wild bird feeder of your choice on the top of your new bird feeder pole.

If you enjoyed making the bird feeder pole, please click here for more backyard bird projects, including how to build a bird house.

Click here to learn more about gazebo bird feeders, like the one shown above.