Backyard Bird Feeder

Clockwork Orinthopter Wing-Flapping Seed Dispenser

An interactive bird feeder featuring hand-carved wooden wings that oscillate with the wind, releasing a measured portion of seeds with every flap.

Clockwork Orinthopter Wing-Flapping Seed Dispenser

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Clockwork Orinthopter Wing-Flapping Seed Dispenser — step 1
Step 1

Construct the main body using weather-resistant white oak, hollowing out the core to create a gravity-fed seed reservoir. Install a central vertical dowel that will support the mechanical linkage for the wing movement.

Clockwork Orinthopter Wing-Flapping Seed Dispenser — step 2
Step 2

Carve the wings from thin, lightweight cedar laminates to ensure they catch even the slightest breeze. Attach them to the central axle using custom-turned wooden cam lobes that convert circular wind rotation into a rhythmic flapping motion.

Clockwork Orinthopter Wing-Flapping Seed Dispenser — step 3
Step 3

Integrate a precision-fit shutter mechanism at the base of the hopper that connects to the wing linkage. As the wings rise and fall, the shutter momentarily shifts to allow a small amount of seed to drop into the external landing perch tray.

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Clockwork Orinthopter Wing-Flapping Seed Dispenser — step 4
Step 4

Apply multiple coats of marine-grade spar varnish to protect the mechanical pivot points from moisture. Mount the unit on a decorative wrought iron post to provide stability while allowing for a full three-hundred-sixty-degree range of motion for optimal wind capture.

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