There’s nothing quite like the cheerful sound of birdsong in the backyard. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee on the porch or tending your garden, birds add beauty, movement, and life to your outdoor space. Even better, they help control pests and pollinate plants. With a few simple DIY projects and a little help from Tennessee Ace Hardware, you can make your yard a haven for feathered friends all year long.

Why Welcome Birds Into Your Yard?

Birds aren’t just lovely to look at—they offer practical benefits for your garden and landscape:

• Eat insects that harm plants
  
• Help pollinate flowers
  
• Spread seeds naturally
  
• Provide a peaceful, nature-inspired atmosphere
  

Creating a bird-friendly yard is also a great way to involve kids or unwind with a simple, rewarding project that makes a difference season after season.

Choosing the Right Birdhouse Design

Not all birds nest the same way. A safe, well-ventilated house made from untreated wood (like cedar or pine) will give them a good home. Avoid painting or staining the interior, and include drainage and ventilation holes to keep things dry and breathable.

Here are some guidelines:

• Wrens and Chickadees: Small entry hole (around 1” diameter)
  
• Bluebirds: Slightly larger entry (about 1.5”)
  
• Purple Martins: Multi-compartment houses set high on poles
  

Pro Tip: Mount birdhouses 5–10 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds, and consider predator guards if squirrels or raccoons are common in your area.

How to Build a Simple Birdhouse

Here’s a basic supply list for a house designed for small songbirds:

Materials:

• One 1″ x 6″ x 6′ cedar board
  
• Screws or nails
  
• Wood glue
  
• Drill and bits
  
• Saw
  
• Sandpaper
  

Cut the board into:

• Back: 10” x 6”
  
• Front: 9” x 6” with a 1” entrance hole
  
• Bottom: 4” x 4” with small drainage holes
  
• Roof: two 7” x 6” pieces
  
• Sides: two 9” x 4”
  

Assemble using glue and screws, sand down sharp edges, and drill a few ventilation holes near the top. Mount the birdhouse securely to a post, tree, or fence.

DIY Bird Feeders

Feeders are a great complement to birdhouses, especially in colder months when natural food sources are limited. Here are a few easy ideas:

1. Pine Cone Feeder

• Spread peanut butter over a large pine cone
  
• Roll it in birdseed
  
• Hang it from a branch with twine
  

2. Recycled Bottle Feeder

• Use a clean plastic bottle
  
• Poke two holes near the bottom and insert wooden spoons as perches
  
• Fill with seed and hang it upside down
  

3. Teacup Feeder

• Repurpose an old teacup and saucer
  
• Attach it to a dowel or hang from a hook
  
• Fill with seed for an elegant touch
  

Best Seeds to Use

The kind of seed you use determines the birds you’ll attract:

• Black-oil sunflower seeds – Popular with finches, cardinals, chickadees
  
• Nyjer (thistle) – Goldfinch favorite
  
• Safflower – Loved by cardinals, less attractive to squirrels
  
• Suet cakes – Great for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and cold-weather feeding
  

Don’t Forget Water and Shelter

Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing. A shallow birdbath or even a ceramic bowl can do the trick—just make sure to clean it regularly and place it near shrubs or trees for safety.

Adding native plants and bushes also gives birds safe spots to perch, hide, and nest.

Final Tips for a Bird-Friendly Yard

• Clean out birdhouses annually to prevent disease
  
• Keep feeders stocked and sanitized
  
• Avoid garden pesticides, which can harm birds
  
• Keep outdoor cats indoors or limit their access to bird areas
  

Wrap-Up

With a little creativity and a few supplies, you can make your backyard a sanctuary for birds. These simple projects offer a fun and engaging way to connect with nature while enhancing your outdoor space.

Whether you’re picking up cedar planks, drill bits, or the perfect birdseed blend, Tennessee Ace Hardware has everything you need to bring your DIY bird-friendly yard to life. Visit tennesseeace.com or stop by your local store to get started today!