Did you know that adding a bird feeder to your yard can attract dozens of bird species, depending on where you live? Birds are naturally curious, and once they find a welcoming space with food, water, and shelter, they'll often return again and again. 

The best part is that creating a bird-friendly backyard doesn't require a large budget or a trip to a specialty store. With a few thrifted finds from Deseret Industries and some basic supplies, you can make beautiful, functional, and unique DIY bird feeders and birdhouses while being environmentally conscious and using items that might otherwise go unused. 

Here are five projects you can do, along with some helpful facts about what birds need to thrive and keep coming back season after season.

2. Basket Bird Feeder 

What to thrift: A wicker or wire basket with a base woven tightly enough to hold seed without it falling through 

Additional supplies: Natural twine and scissors 

1. Examine the basket and identify evenly spaced points around the sides where twine can be threaded through. 

2. Cut four to six equal lengths of natural twine (synthetic twine can be dangerous and doesn't break down in weather). Thread one end of each piece through a point on the side of the basket and tie it off securely on the inside so it won't slip through. 

3. Hold all the twine ends together above the basket to check that it hangs evenly. Make any necessary adjustments to the twine lengths until the basket hangs level. 

4. Tie all the strands together in a secure knot at the top, leaving enough length above the knot to tie around a tree branch. 

5. Hang from a tree branch at a height that keeps it away from predators, ideally five to six feet off the ground. Fill with birdseed and enjoy watching birds stop by.

3. Lantern Birdhouse 

What to thrift: A decorative lantern with a window or door that can be opened and a garden flag holder or shepherd's hook 

Additional supplies: Hot glue or thin rope/wire and wire cutters, if needed 

4. Glass Bowl Bird Bath and Feeder 

What to thrift: One large glass bowl, one smaller glass bowl, and one glass plate 

Additional supplies: Hot glue gun or clear epoxy, decorative rocks or pebbles, bird feed, and water 

1. Flip the smaller bowl upside down; this becomes the pedestal base for the entire piece. 

2. Generously apply hot glue or (for a stronger hold) clear epoxy around the rim of the upturned smaller bowl and press the larger bowl on top, right side up. Hold firmly until fully set. 

3. Place the clear glass plate on a flat surface and apply glue or epoxy to the bottom of the pedestal. Press the assembled bowls down onto the center of the plate and hold until secure. 

4. Once fully dry, place the finished piece in a partially shaded spot in the garden. 

5. Scatter birdseed around the plate at the base of the pedestal. 

6. Place a few small rocks inside the top bowl so birds have a safe place to perch while drinking. 

7. Add water until the rocks are mostly covered, leaving the tops of the rocks exposed so birds can land and balance comfortably. 

8. Refresh the water every two to three days to keep it clean and inviting.

5. Tiered Plate Bird Feeder and Bath 

What to thrift: One dinner plate, one dessert plate, and one teacup  

Additional supplies: A diamond drill bit, painter's tape, a shallow container of water, a tiered metal assembly kit (available at most craft or hardware stores), bird feed, and water 

*This project requires drilling through ceramic. With the right drill bit and a little patience, the process is manageable for most DIYers. 

1. Mark the center of the dinner plate, the dessert plate, and the teacup base with a pencil or marker. 

2. Flip each piece over and place a strip of painter's tape directly over the marked center on the underside. The tape reduces vibration and helps prevent cracking while drilling. 

3. Place your small, shallow container of water nearby.  

4. Apply water to the surface and use the diamond drill bit to drill slowly through the center of each piece. Let the drill do the work and avoid pressing too hard. Overheating is the most common cause of cracking. So regularly reapply water to the surface while drilling to keep the ceramic cool.  

5. Once all three pieces have clean holes drilled through their centers, follow the directions included with the tiered metal assembly kit to attach the pieces together. The standard order from bottom to top is the dinner plate on the bottom, followed by the teacup, a spacer, and the dessert plate on top. 

6. Place the finished feeder in the garden or hang it from a sturdy branch using the top assembly hook. 

7. Add birdseed to the dinner plate and the teacup. Add a small amount of water to the top dessert plate, keeping it shallow and refreshing it regularly.