No-Wobble Tray Feeder

Creatures great and small will enjoy dining at this sturdy, portable feeder.

If you enjoy seeing a variety of animals feeding in your backyard, this easy-to-build triangular feeder is all you'll need to attract a crowd.
Cardinals and other "tray feeders" will love it...and the low platform will attract birds that feed close to the ground like dark-eyed juncos and mourning doves.
You'll also see plenty of squirrels and chipmunks, so keep the tray well stocked with cracked corn. (If these furry critters can count on a reliable food supply here, they'll be less likely to disturb other feeders set up only for birds.)
One of our Birds & Blooms editors came up with the idea for this unique triangular feeder. The three legs prevent wobbling no matter where you put it in your yard. Plus, it's lightweight enough to move with ease.
Here's What You'll Need...
One 8-foot 2 x 2
One 3-foot 1-inch x 8-inch board (or 4-foot 2 x 4)
One 2-foot-square piece of metal window screen
2-1/2-inch and 2-inch galvanized deck screws
Waterproof carpenter's glue
Masking tape
Recommended Tools...
Table or miter saw
Heavy-duty stapler

Start with the Tray
1. To make the seed tray, cut three 24-inch lengths from
an 8-foot 2 x 2 with 60° opposing angles on each end (remove
30° on each cut).
2. On a flat surface, fit the pieces together with the
edges overlapping and temporarily fasten them with carpenter’s
glue. Hold the joints tight with masking tape.
When the glue is dry, drill a pilot hole in each corner and
secure with 2-1/2-inch deck screws.
3. From a 2-foot-square piece of screen, cut out a triangle
that fits the frame, extending about halfway between
the inner and outer edge of the frame. Staple the screen to
the wood securely, leaving about 1 inch between staples.
4. For the legs, rip three 2-1/2-inch widths from a 3-foot
1-inch x 8-inch board. Cut each piece to 16 inches. If you
want a more finished appearance, bevel the tops of the
legs 15°. The legs can also be made from 2 x 4’s to reduce
warping.
5. Position a leg so it bridges the joint of the frame (see
plan and photo at right). Then predrill two holes for the
screws, being careful not to hit the screws holding the seed
tray together.
6. Use 2-inch deck screws to attach each leg to
the frame. (To make the tray a little sturdier for
chunky wildlife, you can glue the leg joints with carpenter’s
glue before driving the screws.)
Now fill the tray with seed and cracked corn—it
shouldn’t take long for the neighborhood critters to
discover the banquet you’ve set out for them!