I should mention the reason I'm not just making it as shown is it looks really heavy, and not as waterproof as I'd like. I'm hoping for suggestions for a lighter house (PVC board?)

Thanks,

Ann

Plastic is the most troublefree weatherproof material, but it is also expensive.

Cedar or cypress is naturally weather resistant and needs littl/no maintenance. Cedar will be lighter than cypress. Both woods weather naturally to a light gray color.

Hinging the roof on one end and a mocking hasp for security would be the easiest way to fill/clean.

The wire should be metal wire, as the bigger long term concern will be squirrels, rather than the weather. Squirrels are masters at getting to bird feeders, just look on Google at the number of different inventions to prevent their access to feeders.