How to Build a Red Headed Woodpecker Feeder

Red headed woodpeckers are one of about 20 species of woodpeckers in the United States. Though many woodpeckers will feed on just about any type of commercial bird food, their favorite by far is suet, which is raw beef or mutton fat. While this sounds disgusting, placing some in a homemade feeder in your back yard drastically increases your likelihood of attracting the woodpeckers. Making such a feeder is equally fun and rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 thick branch (4" diameter and 18" long)
  • 1.5 inch hole drill
  • Screw-in hook
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp knife
  • 2 blocks of suet
  • Microwave-safe container
  • Microwave
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a thick branch. It should be at least 4 inches in diameter and cut to 18 inches long.

    • 2

      Use your 1.5-inch hole drill and drill the first hole about an inch from the top, all the way through the wood. Move down an inch and turn the branch a quarter turn and drill another hole so that you now have holes in opposing directions. Repeat until you have 6 holes going through your wood. Leave about 6 inches at the end of the branch so that the woodpecker can use its tail to prop itself up while feeding.

    • 3

      Screw the hook into the top. Select a hook appropriate for whatever you plan to hang the bird feeder on.

    • 4

      Wrap the branch tightly in aluminum foil and use a sharp knife to cut out the holes on only one side. Leave the other side with foil on so that the suet won't leak out.

    • 5

      Heat the blocks of suet in a microwave safe container until they are about the consistency of soft butter. This will make filling the feeder much easier.

    • 6

      Spoon the suet into the holes. Fill each hole completely and let dry until solid. Remove the aluminum foil and recycle.