Left the thing on over the weekend while I was away. There was intense sun (for NL), wind, and later rain. Some water got in to the deposit jar on the bottom and there was a little ingress in the dispenser, but it still works.

I left some seed and peanuts on the platform to attract birds and when I returned all of that was gone, and apparently they had managed to kick a few items into the deposit chute as only 3 bottlecaps were still there and I could see that some peanuts were dispensed. Only means they are not afraid of it now. Long way to go yet.

I should probably make some weatherproofing improvements before I leave it out in the rain again, but it survived.

Previously, direct sun at the right angle could trigger the deposit sensor. I adjusted the sensitivity so that doesn't happen.

To prevent/reduce water in the deposit jar I was planning on cutting some drain slits in the pipe leading to the jar, but need to think about this as I don't want them to catch anything being dropped. I think cutting them at an angle would give less of a corner to catch things on. I am also thinking of drilling a drain hole in the bottom of the jar, but it would be best to divert the water before it gets into the machine. I think that dripping water might set off the deposit sensors if it drips from the right spot.

So now I will clean it up a bit, check everything for damage, see how much battery was used, and continue testing and trying to condition the birds.