Bird Tables
Anything flat, about 30cm x 30cm or larger, will make a bird table. It is best to raise it off the ground, to protect birds from enemies such as cats. If you make it moveable, you can gradually bring it closer to your window.
Designing a table
Before you start, discuss with your teacher the best place to set up a table.
Keep it dry, and keep it clean.
Bird tables should protect food from the wind, should not collect water and should be easy to clean.
A roof is useful in snow or rain but is not important at other times.
Hold tight!
Fix your table to a post, a window sill, a wall (by brackets) or hang it from a tree.
Make sure it is firm and steady, especially if you are going to move the table about.
Put the table somewhere quiet, near bushes and trees and protected from the worst of the weather.
Put a little food on the table daily and replenish it regularly, rather than a lot at once. This will help prevent vermin. Also, remember to clean the bird table and ground around the table regularly to prevent the birds from spreading infection
Warning:
Bird tables that include nest boxes are not a good idea. Birds that try to nest would be disturbed by others coming to feed. Don't combine tables and nestboxes.
Making a table
Wood is good!
Use solid wood (maybe old floorboards) or 'exterior grade' plywood. Other materials, except plastic or metal, will not last long. Use weather-proof glue, screws or nails.
Think about including a scale (in centimetres) along the side of the table, so that you can compare the sizes of birds.