How To Choose The Perfect Birdfeeder
Feeding birds is a great way to bring wildlife closer to home. By installing a variety of feeders and providing appropriate habitat, you will be able to attract many different types of birds to watch and enjoy throughout the year.
During the winter months, you will attract birds that overwinter in your area and help them survive a tough time of year. When spring arrives, look for birds to nest and raise their young nearby. In the summer, you'll be able to enjoy watching adult birds bring their young to your feeders.
Birdfeeder Basics:
Not all birds like the same kind of feed from the same kind of seed or the same kind of feeder. So it's not surprising that the more types of food and feeders you provide, the more birds you will attract. The most successful feeding stations include an assortment of feeders at different heights to best stimulate the way birds feed in the wild. Here are the four primary kinds of feeders:
- Platform Feeders
Ground-feeding birds will feed off platform feeders that are either directly on the ground or elevated by several feet. Try offereing white proso millet if you want to attract field sparrows, tree sparrows or juncos. Black-oil sunflower seed will attract a wide variety of other ground-feeding birds such as cardinals and grosbeaks.
- Perching Feeders
These hanging or pole-mounted feeders feature separate feeding ports with a 1- to 2-inch perch. They will attract a wide variety of perching birds. Mounting the feeder at a height of 5 to 6 feet will suit most species. Black-oil sunflower seed is the hands-down favorite of most seed-eating birds and will attract chickadees, cardinals, titmice and nuthatches. Thistle seed appeals to goldfinches, pine siskins and purple finches. If squirrels are a problem, consider installing a squirrel baffle.
Ornamental feeders are another option. They're made from seed-covered pinecones, seed-covered birdhouses or seed that's been compressed into a particular shape.
- Suet Holders
Suet cakes are made from ground beef fat, often supplemented with seeds or berries. They provide a great source of energy for insect-eating birds, such as woodpeckers, bluebirds and nuthatches. Hang suet cakes from tree branches using a suet feeder or a mesh bag. Suet should only be offered during the colder months so it won't melt or spoil.
- Nectar
With their tiny, colorful bodies and incredible speed, hummingbirds are perhaps the most exciting type of bird you can attract to your garden. They primarily feed on the sweet nectar of flowers, such as delphinium, cardinal flower, bee balm and columbine. Most hummingbird feeders feature a refillable nectar reservoir and feeding ports that are red (a color that attracts hummingbirds). Feeders should be cleaned each week to avoid bacterial contamination, which can harm hummingbirds.
Bird Habitat Basics
Birds need more than just the food your feeders provide. They also need shelter, water and natural food sources. In fact, studies show that even a bird that regularly visits your winter feeders will only get about a quarter of its food there. Yards with a variety of perennials, shrubs and trees will support far more birds than those dominated by lawns.
- Water
No bird-friendly yard is complete without a birdbath. Birds need water all year around for drinking and bathing, and preening their feathers to ensure adequate insulation. A heated birdbath will keep the water open even when the temperature drops well below zero.
- Shelter
Birds spend much of their time feeding, especially in the winter, but they also need to rest -- and nest. To keep birds in your yard year-round, provide lots of shelter options and places to raise young. Some shelters, such as the Birdseed Log Cabin, double as feeders. When spring comes, hang a small basket filled with nesting materials, such as dryer lint, dog hair or 6-inch lengths of yarn. Put these nesting materials near feeders, on a tree branch, on the ground, or in Nesting Pockets.
Other Articles you might be interested in:
Cat Tail Bird Feeder
Silhouetted against snow in winter, standing tall among summer flowers – you'll love the way our unusual cattail ornament enhances your landscape year-round. And birds love it too, because this delightful sculpture will hold 1/2 lb of sunflower seeds! Four-season garden sculpture and birdfeeder in one. Attracts clinging birds, such as nuthatches and chickadees.
Easy to fill. Easy to "plant" with its pointed ground stake.
Acorn Birdfeeder
Songbirds will flock to these charming, nature-inspired birdfeeders. Made of iron and aluminum, they have an understated green-bronze patina that's a natural fit for any garden. Hanging loop is adorned with a miniature oak leaf; twist-off top for easy filling. Designed for sunflower seeds, but you can also use shelled peanuts or a chunky seed blend. Durable and easy to fill.
Blue Moon Birdfeeder
Add color and attract birds to your winter landscape. In fair weather, they can perch on the rim to dine. When it's wet and windy, they can hop inside to eat. The extra thick crackle glass sparkles when it catches the light. Drainage holes keep seed dry. 2-cup seed capacity.
Globe Bird Feeder
The openings on this stylish feeder are just the right size for finches, nuthatches and other small birds, but keep out jays and other feeder bullies. The latching top stays firmly in place to help keep burglar squirrels out of your birdseed. The Globe Cage Feeder creates a safe place for small birds to feed. Holds 1-1/2 lbs. of sunflower seeds Sturdy and squirrel-resistant. Ready to fill and hang. Drainage holes at the bottom to keep seeds dry and fresh.
Lantern Cage Birdfeeder
When gray squirrels, blue jays and starlings take over your feeders, small birds can't compete. This feeder evens the playing field by protecting the seed ports inside a steel cage. Its 1-1/2" openings are too small for birdfeeder hogs like blue jays to squeeze through. Steel cage with a clear seed tube. Ideal for feeding chickadees, finches and nuthatches. Holds up to 8 cups of seed.
Mini Globe Feeders, Set of 3
Triple the "seating" at your backyard birdfeeder restaurant with a set of these steel mesh globes in colors that will brighten the winter landscape. These colorful feeders look great hanging from tree branch, and each one holds 3 cups of sunflower seeds.
Suet Spirals, Set of 3
You'll enjoy watching birds gather for a high-energy snack from these colorful spiral feeders. Fill them with suet balls in the winter, or fruit in the spring and summer. Made of durable powder-coated steel with built-in bail hangers.
Suet Balls, Set of 10
High-energy treats for the birds, these shelf-stable, all-natural and bacteria-free suet balls are made from 40% beef kidney suet, 20% ground peanuts, and 40% corn meal. A specialized super-heating process makes these suet balls bacteria-free and able to withstand high temperatures, allowing these to be both used in the summer months and to be stored at room temperature for 6 months at room temperature or 2 to 3 years in the refrigerator. Attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, wrens, and cardinals.
Casement Window Bird Feeder
This ingenious bird feeder allows you to watch birds from indoors at very close quarters without disturbing them. Attaching to a casement window in seconds, the feeder has a back wall that acts as a one-way mirror, so as birds feed, they are unaware that they are being watched so closely. Simply attach the feeder to the non-moving part of the window, using your choice of suction cups or velcro (both included), and then fill it by open ing the casement window. 15 3/4" H x 9 1/2" W x 5 1/4" D. (2.25 lbs.)
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