Bird Feeder Pulley System

Create a wildlife oasis

We have a little cabin in the Northwoods that allows us to escape work, school and all the associated activities. Up north, it’s easy to slow down, relax and take time to watch the activities of our woodland neighbors.

Not long after we purchased our cabin, Patrick hung several bird feeders. We started with basic bird seed and were delighted with visits from squirrels (gray, red, black, small and large), chipmunks, raccoons, and a variety of birds, including chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays, and woodpeckers. So fun to watch all the action.

Is that a flying squirrel?

During a Thanksgiving visit to the cabin, Patrick splurged on bird food with dried fruit and nuts. I thought it was overkill because it looked like trail mix I would eat and the price was pretty steep. Later that evening we couldn’t figure out what was eating the fruit and nut mix. Definitely something we had not seen before. Looked like squirrels, but they were moving too fast. Could it be some kind of bird? They appeared to fly from the trees down to the feeder.

After some seriously patient watching and thanks to a google search, we finally figured out it was a bit of both…..flying squirrels. I never knew these were native to the Northwoods. So fun to watch! So cute! They are nocturnal and have very large eyes. Needless to say, we always buy the fruit-nut mix for our furry, flying friends.

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Overview of the bird feeder pulley system

Build a pulley system to hang a feeder from a high point on a tree trunk. This allows for easy refilling. No ladder required and the supply list is pretty simple.

Supply list

Instructions for hanging a bird feeder

Drill holes into the tree for the planter hook screws. Hang the pulley from the end of the hook and pass the rope through. Tie a carabiner to the end of the rope for easy connection and release to the feeder. Ensure the rope is long enough to lower the feeder to ground and tied the other carabiner to this end of the rope. Getting the rope right is definitely the trickiest part of this project.

The carabiner at the end of the rope reaches to the pulley when the feeder is lowered. It doesn’t lower all the way to the ground, so the quick release on the feeder is helpful to detach the feeder for filling. Screw an eye hook into the tree and use this to secure the carabiner on the rope so the feeder is secure in its elevated position.

This was a quick weekend project. Completed in just over an hour. Our feathered and furry friends enjoy their new feeding station.