Making a log suet feeder for your backyard birds is extremely easy, even for construction-challenged persons. It only takes a few minutes to create this simple suet feeder that can bring you many pleasurable moments of enjoyment. Not only does the feeder lure birds to your yard, it provides a way to photograph or paint them in a more natural-looking setting.

Natural looking feeders are wonderful for attracting overly cautious birds that would normally stay away from shelf boxes or tubular holders. For example, we were able to entice a reticent Yellow-shafted Flicker (Northern Flicker) and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that normally would not dine so close to our home. Along with these visitors, we had plentiful visits from Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Titmice, Chickadees, Wrens and many other birds.

If there is a wooded area near your home, look for your log there. A good time to search for a suitable piece of wood might be after a storm when folks pile the debris on the curbside. Look for a small tree branch that can be cut into a twelve-inch log, about three to four inches in diameter.

Woodpeckers are well-equipped to grasp vertical surfaces of a log feeder, but other birds need to have a rough service to gain a foothold, so be sure to leave most of the bark on the log as you build your feeder.

Next, drill three or four holes about one-half to three-quarters of an inch deep on either side of the log. Depending on the drill bit you have, make your holes three-quarters to one and a half inches wide and alternate the holes, three on one side, and two to four holes on the other. By doing this, you won’t accidentally drill all the way through to the other side.

The final step is to screw a hook or eyelet into one end of the wood depending on where you want to hang it. You can either loop a piece of string through the metal eyelet and hang the feeder this way, or suspend the feeder from a hook. (We have an old scavenged bird-cage stand that works well due to its portability). Wherever you decide to place your feeder, make sure there is an free-flight path to it, allowing the birds easy access. Also, be sure to position the feeder where you can easily refill it, especially on those cold snowy mornings when you don’t feel like trudging outside in your boots.

You can make your own suet by saving scraps of meat fat, rendering it and adding some seeds and nuts. However, you may find it much more convenient to purchase the commercially made blocks. This is especially important if the temperature rises above 70 degrees when homemade suet can become rancid and melt. For year-around use it’s best to buy pre-packaged cakes made from rendered suet available in most feed stores, specialty shops and grocery stores.

Your hard work pays off when you see your feathered friends flocking to your creation. My husband is a photographer who has gotten those close-up one-of-a-kind shots that photographers dream of. As an artist, I have found the feeder to be a great way to capture those wonderful close-up and colorful details of bird feathers, wings, and feet.

Watching birds can also be a meditative and restful experience. These feathered creatures have a way of calming mind and spirit. Just taking a few moments of your busy life to simply stop what you’re doing and watch the birds go about their daily business, can be a joyful way to bring peace and tranquility into your life.

Shifra Stein - Writer, author, artist, and workshop presenter, Shifra Stein has written more than 30 books and hundreds of articles for magazines and newspapers, many of which focus on arts-related topics. As an artist, Ms. Stein’s unusual watercolor and mixed media techniques have been featured in many publications.Her artwork hangs in corporate and private collections. In addition, Ms. Stein offers creativity retreats, playshops, and artist and writer workshops around the country. A member of the Missouri Watercolor Society, Greater Kansas City Art Association, and Kansas City Artists Coalition, Ms. Stein is available for workshops, speaking engagements, color consultation, and artist representation. View her artist and workshop portfolio online at www.shifrastein.com, or call (816) 753-3208
To contact Shifra, click below

Bob Barrett - is a nationally known corporate, editorial and fine arts photographer. Bob’s photographs have appeared in art and architectural books such as American Art Deco (Abrams), and Time-Life Books, as well as magazines such as Historic Preservation, National Geographic, Chevron, Midwest Living, North Light Magazine, Star Magazine, Arts Magazine, The Crafts Report, Town & Country, Travel & Leisure, and others. Bob also offers his services to artists, shooting professional quality images of two and three dimensional work suitable for galleries, juried competitions, galleries and internet use. See his website at www.artkc.com/barrett.htm. Bob offers photography workshops for artists and writers through arts organizations, and educational venues.
To contact Bob directly, click below or phone (816)753-3208.

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