Here's How You Can Draw More Birds To Your Yard With A Paper Plate

Birdwatching from your backyard is a cozy activity. You can stand by your window or sit on the deck with a nice cup of coffee, watching all sorts of winged animals swoop in and out of the vicinity. But if you're not seeing as many birds as you'd like to, then a paper plate might be able to help bring more birds to your yard. While birds might visit your garden on their own accord — whether to pick up a rogue worm or to perch on an inviting-looking tree branch next to your patio — other times, they'll need a reason to land in your neck of the woods. And the best way to do so is to tempt them with a bird feeder.

However, you don't have to go out and buy a fancy birdhouse or elaborate feeding device to catch their attention. Instead, you can simply use a paper plate filled with some of their favorite snacks. This is a great hack to try because most folks already have a spare paper plate or two in their house, making it an easy DIY to get started with.

In this DIY project, the paper plate will essentially serve as a tray bird feeder, which is a great way to entice birds into your yard. Our feathered friends typically hunt for food using their eyes (as opposed to their noses or ears, like other animals do), so seeing seeds, berries, and nuts scattered on an open tray looks like an easy buffet.

To create the tray, grab a paper plate and put three holes in it using a hole punch. Then, thread string or twine through the three holes, which will act as your hanger. Place the plate in a paper plate holder, which will give it a little more heft and structure. This also will ensure it stays balanced, even when multiple birds land on it.

Next up is adding the snacks. Add peanut butter to the bottom of the plate to help keep the birdseed and nuts from flying away with any breezes, and then hang the feeder in a sunny spot in your yard. And that's it! You'll be able to see more birds in your backyard in no time. Just make sure to keep an eye on the plate and replenish it with food whenever it gets low. Swap out the plate for a new one every few days, ensuring it doesn't get contaminated with animal waste.