Woodpecker feeding logs

These natural log wild bird feeding stations are fabulous to attract clinging birds like Woodpeckers and also Tree Creepers and Tit species.

These log bird feeders also look beautiful and very natural in your wildlife garden.

Please read my guide below to how to make one.

Step One

Find a suitable length of natural wood.

Step 2

Drill holes in the log with a flat wood drill. We used size 32 but you could use a bigger size. It is important to alternate the holes around the log so you don’t drill right though. Don’t create the holes too close to the top or bottom to provide space to cling and prevent birds sitting on the top and pecking down (unless you want them to). Add a screw in hook to the top to give it something to hang from on the branch. You can add a wire handle between two screw hooks if you like.

Step 3

Fill the log with bird food. I love Flutter Butter. It is easy to add to the holes. The buggy one with insects in is great for insect feeding birds like Woodpeckers. Never use peanut butter for humans – it’s too full of salt. You could also fill it with my homemade fat ball recipe – just wait for it to solidify a bit before you add it to the feeder or it will pour out. I have a vegetarian version of the recipe too.

Step 4

Locate your feeding station on a sturdy pole or branch (they are heavy!) and wait for the birds to arrive.

Does it work? Absolutely! These log feeding stations are frequented by many Tit species and in a couple of weeks I had my first Woodpecker visiting and he has been back regularly since!

Caring for your log bird feeding station

Like any wildlife feeding station, you need to keep it clean to prevent disease spreading. There are so many birds here that they literally clean out every scrap here within 24 hours or so. But, if yours is left then you will need to clean it out to stop it going mouldy. Use boiling water to clean the holes in the log and the areas around – in case they have been pooped on.

I would love to see your log feeders!

This is one of the first projects in my new wildlife garden in the Yorkshire Wolds. I have a huge project to re-wild an acre of land and to use it to showcase wildlife friendly gardening ideas to the public. You can find out more about the re-wilding project here: