HOW TO CHOOSE BIRD FEEDERS FOR YOUR YARD

Most local garden center or online retailer is likely to have a large selection of bird feeder to choose from in various sizes, shapes, colors and prices and it can be difficult to know which bird feeder will be the best for the birds in your garden or backyard. Regardless of the type of bird feeder you decide to purchase it should be built of sturdy material, easy to clean and squirrel proof!

The most popular choices are tube bird feeders and platform feeders. Tube feeders are built using a plastic or metal tube with various holes to allow the seed to come out. Many of these feeders have perches for birds to rest on while feeding. Look for a tube bird feeder that has a solid hook or chain to hang it from a tree or pole, a large tube so you are not refilling everyday and a mesh or dome to protect your food from squirrels.

Platform feeders can be simply a sheet of plywood raise off the ground and covered with seeds, fruit or other food. A platform feeder about one foot off the ground is perfect for attracting birds that feed on the ground such as sparrows, doves or juncos. You can also hang a platform feeder from a tree or mount on a pole to attract a vast array of different birds. Again remember to look for protection of squirrels and ensure any wooden surfaces have been protected from the weather.

Hopper feeders are a bit more expensive but are usually easier to look after and come in a variety of interesting styles, including a gazebo! The main advantage is this type of feeder automatically restocks the feeder until the seed has been exhausted from the hopper – this means you don’t have to refill the feeder every day. Look for hopper bird feeders which hold a decent amount of seed and are easy to clean. You’ll attract many kinds of birds with these feeders including woodpeckers, cardinals and jays.

Window feeders attach to a window seal will allow you to see the birds while they are feeding from the comfort and warmth of your house. It may take slightly longer for the birds to feel comfortable feeding in this way but soon you’ll have a variety of birds feeding right next to your glass window!

The final types of bird feeders are the suet feeder and nectar bird feeders. Suet feeders are usually consist of a wire mesh that suet cakes are attached to – suet feeders can be difficult to clean but do attract a variety of birds in winter and summer. Nectar bird feeders are designed to attract hummingbirds and Orioles. The birds ‘suck’ a sugary water from an inverted bottle or from a saucer that drips the liquid through the feeder.

It’s often worth having a selection of bird feeders in your garden to attract different types of birds at different times of the year. If you buy bird feeders that have been built well, they should last for a number of years and bring you lots of pleasure.