Not only is it a fun hobby, but you can help local wildlife by making your garden a friendly haven for birds. You can draw in a range of birds with the correct kind of bird feeder, from the common chickadees and sparrows to the more unusual guests like redpolls and pine siskins. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin with the wide variety of bird feeders available. With the aid of this guide, you can make sense of the options and choose the ideal bird feeder for your requirements.
Recognising the Different Types of Bird Feeders
Bird feeders come in a variety of styles, each intended to accommodate a particular species’ needs and eating preferences. Tray or platform feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders, window feeders, Nyjer feeders, suet feeders, and hummingbird feeders are among the most popular varieties. Because each variety has specific benefits and drawbacks, it’s important to think about the birds you hope to attract as well as the setting in which you’ll be placing the feeder.
Feeders on a tray or platform
Among the most adaptable types of bird feeders are tray feeders, sometimes referred to as platform feeders. They are made up of an open, level area where seeds are dispersed, drawing in a diverse range of birds. Ground feeders like juncos, sparrows, and doves are especially drawn to these feeders. Because of its open design, which makes it simple for birds to see the food, it’s a favourite among birdwatchers who appreciate seeing a wide variety of species.
Tray feeders do have several drawbacks, though. Because of their open shape, seeds are susceptible to deterioration if they are not eaten right away. Furthermore, it is simple for squirrels and other animals to loot the feeder due to the lack of security. Use a tray feeder with a screened bottom for improved drainage and store it in a covered area to keep out the rain and snow in order to lessen these problems.
Feeder Hopper
Another common choice are hopper feeders, which are also referred to as “house” feeders because of their design. The seed in these feeders is distributed while birds eat via feeding ports at the bottom of the feeder, which is a covered container. Hopper feeders are a sensible option for individuals who might not be able to replace the feeder frequently because of their design, which keeps the seed dry and fresh.
Larger birds like cardinals, jays, and grosbeaks are especially drawn to hopper feeders. Compared to tray feeders, they can also be more difficult to clean. Hopper feeders must be cleaned on a regular basis to stop the accumulation of germs and mould, both of which can be dangerous to birds. One way to keep squirrels away from the seed is to mount the feeder on a pole that has a squirrel baffle installed.
Feeders with tubes
Long and cylindrical feeders with several feeding holes are called tube feeders. Smaller birds like finches, chickadees, and titmice are drawn to these feeders. Its vertical shape makes it a favourite among birdwatchers who like to see interactions between various species because it permits multiple birds to feed at the same time without much competition.
Additionally, tube feeders are not too difficult to refill and maintain. One drawback, though, is that if the little perches aren’t cleaned frequently, they may get congested and potentially harbour infections. A squirrel baffle or a metal feeder will help shield your feeder from damage because squirrels have a tendency to tear through plastic tube feeders.
Feeders in windows
Window feeders are an ideal choice for individuals who take pleasure in close-up bird observation. With the help of suction cups, these feeders connect straight to your window, providing a close-up look at the birds while they eat. Small window feeders are popular with finches, chickadees, and nuthatches, among other species.
The ability of window feeders to lessen the risk of bird strikes on windows is one of their main benefits. Accidents are less likely since the birds notice the feeder before they get to the window. But, to maintain the suction cups in place and stop seed from spoiling, window feeders need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Bird droppings can also contaminate the feeding area, so expect to do regular cleanups.
Feeders Nyjer
Thistle seeds, sometimes referred to as nyjer seeds, are intended to be dispensed using nyjer feeders. Tiny holes in these feeders keep the seeds from spilling while yet enabling small birds to feed themselves, such as redpolls, goldfinches, and pine siskins. By giving them a designated eating area away from bigger, more aggressive birds, nyjer feeders are a great method to draw finches and other small songbirds.
The fact that squirrels usually don’t bother with the small seeds in Nyjer feeders makes them easier to operate, which is one of their advantages. But since nyjer seeds can cost more than other kinds of bird seed, it’s critical to choose a feeder designed to reduce waste. Furthermore, because mesh nyjer feeders can get wet from rain, use little amounts of seed and replace it frequently to avoid it going bad.
Suet Bowls
Suet is a high-energy snack derived from animal fat that woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice particularly like. Suet feeders are built to contain blocks of suet. Suet feeders are frequently used in the winter, when birds require additional energy to withstand the cold. They are available in a variety of styles, from basic wire cages to intricate feeders that let you stuff peanut butter or suet into cracks.
Suet feeders draw a different kind of bird than seed feeders, which is one of their key advantages. Suet feeders are an entertaining addition to any birdwatcher’s yard because of the acrobatic eating habits of birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. But in warm weather, suet spoils rapidly, so it’s important to keep an eye on the feeder and take out any rotten suet. Render suet, which remains solid at greater temperatures, is a more resilient substitute.
Feeders for Hummingbirds
The purpose of hummingbird feeders is to release a sugar-water mixture that resembles the nectar that these small birds naturally consume. These feeders are a flexible choice for tiny areas like balconies or patios because they can be hung practically anywhere and are usually bright red to attract hummingbirds.
Hummingbird feeders are simple to assemble and keep up, but especially in warm weather, they must be cleaned frequently to keep the nectar from fermenting. Additionally, since red food colouring might hurt the birds, it’s crucial to avoid adding it to the nectar. Choose a straightforward homemade solution instead, such one part sugar to four parts water. Hummingbirds will remember where to locate a consistent food source, so if you put out your feeder before they arrive in your region, you may be able to attract them early in the season.
Things to Take Into Account While Selecting a Bird Feeder
It’s important to take into account a number of criteria when choosing the best bird feeder for your yard, such as the kinds of birds you hope to attract, the setting in which you plan to place the feeder, and your degree of maintenance tolerance.
Bird Types
The kind of feeder you choose should be influenced by the kinds of birds you hope to attract. An excellent place to start is with a tray or hopper feeder full of black-oil sunflower seeds if you’re hoping to draw in a broad range of species. In case you are specifically interested in drawing in smaller birds such as chickadees or finches, a tube or nyjer feeder could be a better option. An hummingbird feeder specifically designed for hummingbird observation is a must.
Placement of Feeders
The efficacy of your feeder and the kinds of birds it attracts can both be impacted by where you put it. For example, putting a feeder next to bushes or trees can give birds a sense of security and encourage them to come by. It is imperative, therefore, that you position the feeder so that you can easily refill and clean it. In order to keep unwelcome guests away, you might also think about mounting the feeder atop a pole with a baffle if you live near squirrels or other wildlife.
Upkeep and Sanitisation
In order to maintain your bird feeder clean and safe for the birds, regular maintenance is essential. Birds may be harmed by mould, germs, and parasites that are present in dirty feeders. The amount of maintenance needed may change depending on the kind of feeder you use. For instance, while tube and nyjer feeders can need less regular maintenance, tray and hopper feeders need to be cleaned frequently to prevent seed from spoiling. Suet and hummingbird feeders must also be cleaned on a regular basis to keep the food from becoming bad, particularly during warm weather.
Proof-of-Squirrel
Since squirrels are known to raid feeders and steal seeds, they can be a major annoyance to birdwatchers. Use a squirrel-proof design or add a baffle to the feeder pole to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder. While some feeders feature an exterior cage that keeps squirrels from getting to the seeds, others have built-in systems that shut the feeding ports when a squirrel’s weight is detected.
Beauty
Even though functioning is crucial, you might also care about how your bird feeder looks. There are many different styles of bird feeders, ranging from sleek, contemporary tubes to rustic wooden dwellings. Select a feeder that enhances the look of your yard overall and goes well with your outdoor area.
Selecting Appropriate Bird Seed
Choosing the correct feeder is only half the battle won; the other half is winning. It’s important to select a seed mix that corresponds with the species of birds you wish to attract, as different types of seeds draw different kinds of birds.
Seeds of Black Oil Sunflowers
The most often used kind of bird seed is black-oil sunflower, which draws a wide range of birds, such as cardinals, sparrows, finches, and chickadees. Because of their high oil content, these seeds are a wholesome option for birds. Many species love them because they are relatively easy for little birds to crack apart.
Nyjer Seeds
Finches and other little songbirds are especially drawn to nyjer seeds, which are tiny, black seeds. Because of their high fat and protein content, these seeds are a great option for winter bird food. Nyjer seeds are so tiny that they need a special feeder with tiny holes in order to avoid waste.
Blended Seed
A range of seeds, such as peanuts, millet, cracked corn and sunflower seeds, are frequently included in mixed seed blends. These mixes are a flexible option for birdwatchers who wish to observe a variety of birds in their garden because they are made to draw in a wide range of bird species. But not every kind of seed in the mixture will be consumed by birds, thus some seeds might be thrown away and squandered.
Suet
The high-energy snack known as suet, which is produced from animal fat, is especially popular among woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Suet is frequently combined with berries, seeds, and nuts to make a wholesome treat for birds. It works well in the winter, when birds use more energy to stay warm.
Sugar
A straightforward DIY nectar solution is all you need to attract hummingbirds. Pour one part sugar into four parts water, then pour the mixture into your hummingbird feeder. Red food colouring should be avoided since it may hurt birds. To keep the nectar from fermenting, especially in warm weather, replace it on a regular basis.