Not all birds like to feed at traditional bird feeders. Some, like juncos and various sparrows, are ground feeders and like to scrounge around for their food. In this project we're going to make a bird feeding table with a screen bottom so that when it rains the water can drain out so the seeds don't end up flooded.

This project requires a few simple carpentry skills. You'll need a few nails, 4 pieces of 1" x 2" cedar cut to the size of the table you want and four pieces of 1" x 3" cedar for the legs, cut to the height that you want. Also, you'll need a piece of screen netting and if you want to get really fancy, some thin strips of wood (1" x 1/8") to strengthen the screening.

When all four pieces are nailed together attached the screen netting which you've cut to size. You can nail or staple this on.

We added small (1" x 1/8") lathes over the screen netting and some smaller pieces from one side to the other. This will help stop any sagging and protects you from any sharp strands of wire that may protrude.

Next, nail the legs on. We cut the 1"' x 3" cedar into 36 inch lengths, but you could make yours longer or shorter. Nail from the extended sides as well as from the inside of the frame. For a stronger hold, a couple of screws or a bolt can be used.

When the legs are attached, you should have a table looking something like this. Feel free to stain it if you wish. You might want to add some small furniture leg or chair glides to the bottom of the legs to keep them out of the rain. You'll find that the screen netting bottom lets the rain through and can be easily cleaned.

This Dark-eyed Junco soon discovered the seed in the table and plunged right in!