DIY Teacup Bird Feeder + the Mental Health Benefits of Birdsong

I am always on the look out for unique DIY ideas for my home. Ideas to give my space that little bit of something extra. When I came across the idea for a DIY Teacup Bird Feeder in the book, “Feel-Good Gardening” by Claire Stares, I was excited to give it a try.

While designing my house, I envisioned of placing a birdfeeder and pollinator garden right outside the window that my desk looks out on. While the garden has to wait another year (although the native wildflowers have filled in the space) I can get started on attracting birds to my window now.

The Mental Health Benefits of Birdsong

Research has shown that the sound of birds has a calming effect on us and reduces stress. It signaled safety for our ancestors as birds do not sing if there are predators around. Taking the time to listen and watch for birds, gives us the opportunity to slow our mind. It helps us focus on the moment. Scientists have even gone as far as to link the diversity of bird species in a residential area with the happiness of its human inhabitants. How cool is that?

It makes me happy just to think of the benefits of taking in the morning birdsong. I, for one, can attest to how relaxing it is just to sit and listen to the birds where I live. One of my favorite “pastimes” is sitting on my front porch with my journal in the early morning hours – before the neighbors have woken and the only other morning revelers are the birds. I knew the morning sunshine was good for my health but I had no idea the birds were contributing to my mental health regime as well.

So, if you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, why not try a bird feeder? Pick a spot you can appreciate the birds often like near your outdoor living space or outside a window. Sit back, close your eyes, and know enjoying the sounds of nature is contributing to your mental wellbeing.

DIY Teacup Bird Feeder

DIY Teacup Bird Feeder

You Will Need

A teacup and saucer
Adhesive suitable for ceramics
Tape
Twine
Bird seed

Directions

Wash and dry teacup and saucer.
Determine the best placement for the teacup on the saucer. You want the cup handle pointed straight up as this will be where the birdfeeder will hang from.
Glue the teacup to the saucer, ensuring the handle is pointed up.
Tape the cup and saucer together while the adhesive dries.
Once the adhesive has set, tie twine to the handle and create a loop for hanging it from a branch or hook.
Hang the feeder from a branch or hook and fill the cup and saucer with bird seed.

My bird feeder is now hanging right outside my window and now I wait for the chickadees and cardinals to find it. What birds frequent your bird feeder? Do you agree that there are few sounds in this world as pleasant as birdsong? How often do you get outdoors to reap it’s mental health benefits?