Oriole Bird Feeder

Orioles are an extremely beautiful and colourful bird that graces us with their presence in early spring, sometimes throughout the summer and then again in the fall when they gather to migrate

If you're a birdwatcher it's always exciting to catch a glimpse of this timid brightly coloured orange bird

If you'd like to encourage orioles to visit your yard consider making an oriole feeder

Orioles are attracted to the colour 'orange' and absolutely 'luv' grape jelly and oranges

So I decided to construct a feeder that would satisfy their cravings

This was my goal when i decided to draw up plans and build my own oriole feeder

supplies needed:

- 3/8 in plywood (small scraps may work)

- length of 3/8" wood dowel (approx 21" long or 4 pc of 5 " each)

- 1 inch x 1 inch pieces of wood (approx 32" long and cut into specific sizes)

- 2 nails (2.25 inch long) and a hammer

- staple gun with staples (I used 3/8" staples)

- wood glue

- 2 plastic fruit cups (dole / generic fruit cups)

- orange paint (I used acrylic craft paint) and a small craft paint brush

- 20 g wire (approx 4.5 in)

using 3/8" plywood cut to size the following pieces:

2 pc of 5 in x 6.5 in

1 pc of 4.25 in x 6.25 in

2 pc of triangles 5 in long and 2 in height (cut at a 45 degree angle from centre to corner)

using 1" x 1" length cut to size the following pieces:

2 pc of 8 in long

2 pc of 4 in long

2 pc of 2.75 in long

using the 3/8" wooden dowel cut to size the following pieces:

4 pc of 5 in long (tapering one end of each piece at a 45 degree angle)

beginning with the 1" x 1" pieces of wood (already cut to size in previous step)

on a flat surface...

lay the first piece of 8" horizontally in front of you

next put one of each of the 4" pieces vertically on either end

then place the 2 pieces of 2.75" vertically in the centre

finally place th second piece of 8" horizontally along the top of your vertical pieces

this will make the bottom of the feeder (rectangle shape with 2 centre vertical pieces) and hold a plastic fruit cup on either side of the bottom framework

Once you have this layed out place a fruit cup in either side to confirm the placing is the correct size

The lip of the fruit cup should fit over the edge of the framework thus holding the fruitcup from falling through

(also allows you to easily remove them to clean and refill)

Measure twice then glue and staple the pieces together

Set this framework aside to dry (you may want to clamp it together until it dries)

pick up the pc of 3/8' plywood that is cut to 6.25" x 4.25"

This will be the centre support of the feeder

** Using the hammer drive a nail into the centre of each flat side of the piece (do not drive nail through the wood...only to the point where it doesn't come through)

These nails will hold fruit such as half and orange (fruit side out) or an apple, plum etc

Set the centre support pc vertically in the middle of the bottom framework (after bottom is dry) centered in between the two 2.75" pieces

glue and staple the centre support to the bottom framework

Next locate the 2 triangle pieces of wood

These will be the front and back rafter to hold the roof

place the long edge of each triangle at the front and back edge of the centre support and glue and staple together

Set the two roof pieces lining up with the front and back rafter and glue and staple

pls note: the roof will / should overhang slightly to keep the rain away from oriole treats

Using pieces of dowel, place one dowel on each corner with the 45 degree angle lined up with the roof and flat end lined up in the centre of the corner of edges

These corner supports will give the feeder extra strength

After completed (glueing and stapling) I used a wood clamp to hold it all together leaving it on overnight to completely dry

Next paint the feeder inside and out

Set aside to dry (about 1 hour)

Confirm your new feeder is completely dry

Locate a suitable spot for your new oriole feeder

Orioles like to perch in tree tops so feeder should be visible and out in the open

Use a shepherd hook and place a distance away from other feeders (orioles are somewhat shy)

Fill one of the cups with grape jelly /water mixture (1 : 1) and the other with other treats...bing cherries, peas, purple grapes etc

Cut an orange in half and press it onto one of the nails fruit side facing outward

* pls remember to clean / change the grape jelly mixture at least every third day to keep it fresh

orioles may take a while to find your new feeder

especially if they're flying through during their migration

In the meantime you may also see woodpeckers and some other birds enjoying the treats you're offering