I built this about 7 or 8 years ago and it's been a great bird photo lure. As long as I keep food in the hopper, they'll keep on keepin' on. The seeds that fall on the ground attracts the doves and squirrels.

I drilled some holes in the post and stuck some tree limbs in it for the birds to perch on. I also put a frame on the fence in the background so I can vary the background colors in the shots. The actual shooting distance, from lens to birds is less than 12 feet. I pull the draperies up around the camera lens so that's the only thing showing from the outside.

[ChristianRock]

It's got room for the mother-in-laws, the weird cousin, the annoying brother-in-law and the aunt that won't shut up

Seriously, very nice and very elaborate! No wonder you have so many nice bird pictures.

[swip]

How is it kept so clean?

[Dewman]

How is it kept so clean?

Lots of snow in the winter and rain in the spring seem to keep it clean.