New Feeder Idea and Advice wanted (1 Viewer)

I am getting ready to make a new feeder. I am going to buy a large post from a hardware store and a large planter pot as well. I am going to put the post in the pot obviously but I am wondering what type of rock would allow a more stable post or maybe soil or mulch so I can plant some things in the bottom. This will be a simple design yet effective. I will buy some large screws I can hang my feeders from probably put a bird house on top. What would be a good bird house entrance hole size to allow both winter or spring birds to nest in. You never know how long it will take to get one nesting but I wanna be safe and get a entrance hole size that doesn't discriminate.

Nestbox info here: http://www.sialis.org/plans.htm

I take down all of my birdfeeders during nesting season. Only when I see signs that parents are bringing baby birds do the feeders go back up.

The size of box and its entrance hole would be related to the species of birds you have in your area and which of those you want to be nesting. Most people would of course aim for a struggling native species over starlings or whatever.

Whatever size hole you choose, be sure to shield it against the gnawing of predators who will want to get in and eat the contents. Since you're in the USA, you have easy access to these specially made 'portal protectors,' they're very attractive as well as quite effective. Or as when I was a kid you can use tin can lids, of course being careful to remove all sharp edges.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=67399&cat=1,250,43298

Bonus Canadian site!

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=67399&cat=1,250,43298

I should also mention these 'birdhouse guardians,' which will prevent predators such as raccoons from reaching in and grabbing eggs and nestlings:

http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=70746&cat=2,10719,67513