1. Cut a circle out of both sides. Most milk jugs have an indented circular area on these sides, cut out the inner circle. Using the awl, (or nail) reach inside and punch a couple of holes through the bottom. Be careful not to make them too large or the seed will fall out. This isn't really easy to do but you should have a couple of drain holes. I haven't really had a lot of problem with water getting into these feeders though.

* Hint * If you dip the jug into some HOT water for a few minutes it is easier to get the holes punched into the bottom.

2. Make the smaller perch hole below by punching through the plastic with the large nail (or awl). A pole barn nail works great for this. The hole should be large enough for you to push the dowel or stick through. This will be the perch for the birds to land on. It should require a little effort to push it through, you want the perch to fit snuggly.

PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN WORKING WITH THE WIRE, WATCH WHERE THE ENDS ARE AS YOU ARE WORKING IT THROUGH THE HOLES. WEAR YOUR SAFETY GOGGLES!

3. Punch two small holes below the cap where the plastic starts to curve upward and is thicker. Screw the cap back onto the jug. Insert the wire through the two holes until it is centered. Push it up against the sides as tight as you can. Bring each side across the top of the cap and twist it two or three times. Watch carefully as you twist so the wire does not get too tight and pinch or crack the cap.

Your bird feeder is done. Twist the wire around a branch and toss in some black oil sunflower seeds. Pay attention to the direction the holes are facing. Point them away from the direction the rain usually comes from your area. You will be surprised just how fast the birds find it. Enjoy.

Directions for this milkjug bird feeder found at www.uslink.net/~rosebudm/mjug.htm