Coffee Can Bird Feeder: DIY Recycle and Reuse

Red Finch enjoying black oiled Sunflower Seeds

We are staying somewhat sane this frigid winter with drinking hot coffee and by watching and feeding the birds, it only made sense to reuse, recycle, and make a DIY project coffee can birdhouse.

This do it yourself project, is designed around the brand of coffee you drink, and the shape and size of the coffee can. Let your mind go wild and use your imagination. We personally bounce between Folgers Coffee and Maxwell House which ever is on sale. Saving money on coffee is essential; therefore, recycling the coffee can (as well as a old metal coat hanger) with a DIY project makes sense.

One of the Red Finch enjoying the seeds

Assess the shape and contour of the coffee can you have chosen to use, it does not take a blueprint so just start designing. The hardest part is measuring and cutting the holes. You do not want them too small for the bird. Ours is large enough they can get the seeds easily and often even go inside the can to eat.

Recycle and reuse those coffee cans, design and make your own coffee can bird feeder the red finches, sparrows, doves, snow birds and even the squirrel is enjoying feeding time at the farm.

           

Bird Watching 

*****I'm not sure what is going on but I am not being allowed to respond to comments.

Indiana is in a Frigid State

Brrrr is the feeling here in Northern Indiana. We started January 8^th 2015 with -11 degrees with the promise of reaching 10 degrees, however, at 2:00 p.m. it is still actual temperature of -1 and the wind is 5 mph with gusts of 21 mph making the wind chill far below that.

Today’s Homecare client called off today as the schools were closed, therefore, she assumed too cold for me. I offered to clean tomorrow, however, the forecast is much better; therefore, I am not sure and probably will not know until tomorrow a.m. if I am to work. 

 

I took the opportunity to stay home and be somewhat lazy; I stayed in my pajamas, watched a movie, Television and clean a little. I did not hit the gym even though I could have as the roads are clear and I should have. I really had intended to get on the exercise bike and I still might.

I have barely peaked my nose outside today. I only opened the door enough to let my dog and out and to take a picture of the water bowl as I could not believe my eyes. It is so cold my dogs heated water bowl cannot keep up and it is even somewhat protected from the winds.

Technically winter is only a couple of weeks in, however, many such as me are longing for spring.

For all you readers in warm places the Midwest is jealous as it is frigid in the state of Indiana.

July 4th at the Cottage

 Well I actually came up to the cottage July 3 and I am staying until Monday am when I go straight to the gym to exercise. It has been a great break. 



 
 I had plenty of good juicy watermelon.

I've seen birds, turtles; small and ex-large, old friends, family 

 

and of course fireworks from all the neighbors and the ones the lake association shot off over the lake.

And homegrown green beans and tators that my husband picked, cleaned, cooked and delivered to me at the cottage.


Oh. I did do a little work on Bubblews and RedGage, since I  have the luxury of using someone elses high speed WI-FI. Life at Dewart Lake can be so good.

Strange Memorial Day Weekend

While the weather went from 90 degrees the Wednesday before Memorial Day, all the way down to 39 degrees for the low, we also went from dry dry dry land to rain and more rain. Even on this Tuesday the weather a tad warmer however, the sky is dark and eerie.
I wanted to set outside and soak up some sun while reading, working, writing and relaxing. However, I did get weeds pulled and a tad bit read and some writing done it has been a hit and miss on the sunshine. 

Eagle setting in the tree.

One great thing has been the activity of the birds. The weather doesn't stop them,however, it does bring them out at different times. The swallow has loved the rain as it drives the bugs out and it can swoop down and get them.
I also have noticed the little birds picking on the big birds. The red-winged blackbird was showing the Blue Heron who was boss and a little one I could not see was on the Eagles tail.

Eagle with little bird chasing him

Blue Heron being chased!

 










I tried to keep count of all the different birds I spotted at I believe I am at 16 although there might  be a couple more I know has been here in the past but not sure if I saw them this weekend. I did not get pictures of all the different birds however, I tried my best.

Not sure if this is immature eagle.

Angry Bird! ^+^

I  love my Nikon Camera.

                                          

Fall Cottage Time

Usually when I visit the cottage in the fall there is vibrant colors. This year the weather being very strange and dry the leaves changed at a different rate. As you can see with my busy fall I have missed the peak season of the leaves turning here on the island of Dewart Lake. 

One good thing is the tree across the lake is still Orange and color rich. I get to enjoy the beauty of the cool blue lake from my living room window. 

I can also enjoy the birds on the lake. I did spot the eagle yesterday, however, with my camera acting up I did not have a chance to capture a shot. 

Thank goodness this Heron was not in a hurry, it was not letting the cool lake water distract him, while I got my messed up Canon camera  to get this picture.