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.
Squirrel Be Gone
You'll like the leaf adornments on this bird feeder, but greedy squirrels won't! Their weight makes the spring- loaded leaves slam shut over the six feeding ports. Squirrels can't get in through the spring-fastened top, either. Squirrel's weight makes the spring-loaded leaf close over the feeding port. Large capacity—holds nearly 3-1/2 lbs of seed.
Solid Brass Lantern-Style Bird Feeder
When we first saw this elegant feeder, we thought it was an antique lantern, converted to hold birdseed. In fact, it's a very practical design; rustproof, easy to fill, and vented to prevent moisture build-up and keep seeds fresh. It's beautifully detailed, too, with a handsome pewter finish, bowed glass panes and gleaming copper finial. Crafted of solid brass with a pewter finish, copper finial and elegant bowed glass panes. Vented to keep seeds fresh. Easy to fill. Comes with a hanging chain.
Edible Bird Feeder
Now you can make your own edible bird feeder for half the price and twice the fun. Our kit includes everything you need to make two feeders: sturdy cardboard frames, dowel perches, cord and beads, nontoxic glue, and an assortment of seeds birds love. It's a great project for kids—they can keep one and give the other as a gift! Fun for the whole family. Seed assortment lets you create interesting patterns.
Suet Ball Dispenser
No one likes refilling the suet feeder when it's wet and cold outside, but that's when birds need suet the most! Let this automatic suet dispenser do the work for you. As soon as one suet ball is eaten, the next drops into the spiral feeder cup.
Weatherproof dispenser holds up to 5 suet balls. Automatically releases a fresh ball when one is eaten. Overhanging roof protects the suet. All-natural Suet Balls (sold separately) give birds vital energy in winter.
Oakleaf Suet Birdfeeder
This beautiful feeder features a lovely oakleaf design. Features easy access to fill and clean the feeder. The roof protects suet from sun and rain. Durable and weather-resistant, finish will last a lifetime. Antique copper finish. 10inW x 7inD x 9inH. Made in USA.
Nuthatch Suet Birdfeeder
This beautiful feeder features easy access to fill and clean the feeder. The roof protects suet from sun and rain. Suet access on all sides. Durable and weather-resistant, finish will last a lifetime. Verdigris finish. 10inW x 7inD x 9inH. Made in USA.
Pinecone Suet Birdfeeder
This beautiful feeder features a lovely pinecone design. Features easy access to fill and clean the feeder. The roof protects suet from sun and rain. Durable and weather-resistant, finish will last a lifetime. French bronze finish. 10inW x 7inD x 9inH. Made in USA.
Dragonfly Birdfeeder
This beautiful bird feeder will be a great addition to your yard. Crafted from cast aluminum from original wood carving. Includes a 6 inch tube. The roof is a 9-1/2in square and the overall height is 9in (not including the hanger). Will not rust. Choose from Verdi and French Bronze finishes. Imported.
Dragonfly Silhouette Birdfeeder
This bird feeder is both decorative and functional. Features easy-filling, large seed capacity, and it works with a wide variety of feed. Crafted from recycled cast aluminum. French bronze finish. 12"W x 12"L x 19"H. Imported.
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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