Birdfeeders: Build a Bye-Bye Blackbird Feeder

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Step 14. Before you fasten the remaining set of bars to the left side (D) of the feeder, body, run the other end of the gate rod through the appropriate hole in the second bar N. Install the left bars (M, N, O) just as you did those on the right.

Step 15. Next, cut or file notches that are about 1/8" deep and 1/2" wide (assuming you're using a 1/2" aluminum bar) into the ends of the perch (I) to accommodate the M bars on either side, and attach the pieces with No. 8 X 1/2" wood screws.

Step 16. Nail a small scrap of wood (I used a little 1" equilateral triangle . . . component L in the illustrations) to the outside top of the front (C), to serve as a stop for the gate.

Step 17. Now, you're getting to the good part! Counterbalance the gate by attaching metal washers to the 1" bolts that join bars O and N on each side of the feeder. By hanging a combination of one 3/8", one 3/4", and three 7/8" washers on both the right and the left bolts, you'll achieve a "perch activation pressure" of about 2-1/2 ounces . . . in other words, any bird up to cardinal size will be able to dine freely at your feeder, but any critter heavier than that will cause the brass door to shut tight. And, of course, you can increase (or decrease) the pressure required to close the gate simply by attaching more (or fewer) washers.

Step 18. Install an "enforcer". This is an optional measure (not illustrated), to be employed only if you encounter the same problem I did shortly after mounting my feeder on its metal pole: squirrels. The bushy—tailed rodents quickly discovered that—although they couldn't crack the "cookie jar" by sitting on the perch—they could climb to the roof and, while hanging from the peak by their hind legs, use their front paws to scoop up all the food they wanted. In response, I devised the "enforcer": a row of nails (the nails are about 1/4" apart) driven upward through the underside of the roof's overhanging edge. So far, the bristles have been sufficiently fiendish-looking to keep the squirrels away from the feeder.

Step 19. Enjoy, enjoy! Attracting birds to your back yard can be fascinating. In return for your protecting their food supply from robber hordes, and for keeping their feeder well stocked (especially during the harsh winter months), your newfound neighbors will bring into your life a wonderful sampling of nature's color and diversity.

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