A Guide to Bird Feeders
Provided by: Backyard Wings and Water
Feeding our backyard birds is a great source of pleasure for those of us who enjoy watching these beautiful creatures. There are basically four types of feeders that are used for feeding and will attract the most birds throughout the year.
These are: the basic hanging feeders (including pole mounted and window feeders) which hold a variety of seeds, including mixed seeds, sunflower seeds, millet, nuts, corn or thistle; a ground or tray feeder for cracked corn or mixed seeds; suet feeders for commercial or home-made suet mixtures; and nectar feeders for hummingbirds who like rely on sweet nectars for energy.
We always recommend purchasing the best quality seed. In general, it is more economical in the long run to purchase good quality seed. Birds tend to select only those seeds or nuts they like and discard the seeds they do not like. This leaves a mess under the feeders and can also attract rodents. Feeders that contain only sunflower seed are the favorite among most songbirds. We strongly suggest using baffles if you want to keep your feeders out of the reach of squirrels. Safflower seed, also, is a favorite of songbirds, but most often is disliked by squirrels.
Tube feeders are designed to hold different varieties of seed, as well as thistle (actually it is Nyger seed). This is the number one choice of American Goldfinches.
For convenience, the feeder should be easy to fill, and hold enough seed so that you aren't constantly refilling. It must also be easy to take apart and clean.
Ground or tray feeders are used by birds that are primarily ground feeders such as, cardinals, dark-eyed juncos (the "snowbird"), sparrows, mourning doves, jays, cowbirds and others. Choose the finely cracked corn where available, and seed mixtures.
Suet feeders are also available in several styles, from wire cages, or mesh bags to suet logs. The logs can be used by pressing cold suet into the holes and since birds are accustomed to feeding on tree trunks this mimics their natural environment. Suet can be homemade or purchased in all varieties and provides a high source of energy food, especially favored by woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice and mockingbirds.
A great homemade treat can also be offered by mixing in a blender: 1 part each of vegetable shortening, peanut butter, white or whole wheat flour, cracked corn, and 3 parts yellow cornmeal. Add more flour or cornmeal if it turns out too sticky. Store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Fill hanging logs, smear on a tree trunk, stuff into pinecones, or roll in mixed seed for a very special treat!
Nectar feeders are designed for hummingbirds, as well as orioles. These can contain homemade or commercially prepared mixes. Just be sure to change the solution every two or three days. It spoils quickly and must be kept fresh to be safely offered to the birds.
A variety of feeders and specialized seeds will attract numerous species of birds to your yard. Try setting up different "feeding stations" around the yard, with thistle feeders in one, sunflower seeds and nuts in another. Just be sure to place your feeders near some type of cover so the birds can quickly hide from predators if necessary.
However you choose to provide food for your backyard birds, you will be certain to enjoy their beauty, and watch their antics with a sense of humor, throughout the seasons!
Related Articles:
Imagine sitting inside on a winter morning, and hearing a beautifully colored bird outside you window. Or, seeing your first Robin of the spring, as it flew to your feeder. Then there was another and another, until you had a chorus of wonderful music outside. Gardens can be designed and grown for the enjoyment of local wildlife as well as your own enjoyment. A backyard wildlife sanctuary can attract a continuous variety of birds throughout the seasons. Birds and butterflies are the most popular all wildlife to attract. They are also quite easy to attract, if you provide their food, water, cover, and shelter.
(ARA) - This year, over 60 million Americans will strap on their binoculars and grab their field book to do a bit of bird watching. An activity many consider a sport, bird watching, or birding as it is commonly known, is now the single largest hobby on the North American continent. Whether your passion for birds takes you into the backyard or out into the field, a complete field guide is a must-have on any outing.
(ARA) - Bird watching continues to be a favorite American pastime enjoyed by young and old alike. What better way to relax and spend time together as a family or to teach children about nature than by sitting back and enjoying all the beautiful birds that might visit your yard?
We've got our feeders set up, filled with a variety of seeds, such as sunflower, safflower, & millet; thistle or nyger for the finches; suet and peanut feeders for woodpeckers. But what about the birds that aren't visiting our feeders?
View All >>>
