Choose A Feeder Your Birds Will Love
As winter approaches, it's important to make sure the feeders are cleaned and ready for feeding. Birds have their own likes and dislikes as far as eating goes and not only what they eat, but how they eat it.
By trial and error, I've discovered which feeders are preferred and work best for feeding the birds in my area of the country.
I live in New Hampshire, but no matter where you live, if you pay attention to your birds you will also be able to figure out which feeders they love to use.
Cardinals, Buntings, and Doves seem to prefer the ground, while Finches are happy to perch on a tube with little posts. Grosbeaks like a flat open area, and Woodpeckers only like the suet feeders (with a tail prop if you please!). Chickadees, Titmouse, and Blue Jays will eat wherever they find food it seems.
Bird feeders can be very expensive. And the elements and wildlife can be hard on them. The birds don't wreck the feeders, but the larger and more annoying creatures can be an extreme nuisance.
I know you are thinking squirrel. Yes, they are nutty, and when it comes to bird seed, they are relentless maniacs.
But bears, foxes, raccoons and other animals can also be attracted to your yard if they are hungry and unless you have a super, heavy duty feeder, it will probably be damaged beyond repair.
I always keep the mangled feeders, just in case I can use a spare part at a later time.
What You'll Find Here
- Tray Feeder With A Roof
- Attracting Cardinals to Your Yard
- Storing Bird Seed
- De-Icer: Not Pretty, But Effective
- Lazuli Bunting, Chickadee, House Finch & Robin
- Don't Buy This!
- Get a Deal on Bird Feeders at Ebay
- Make Your Own Suet!
- Bring The Birds To The Window
- Thistle Feeder
- Tube Feeders
- Feeder Fresh
- Tell me about your birds or just say hi.
- Grosbeaks in Spring
- Feeding Hummingbirds
- More Lenses by Dustytoes
- New Flickr Photos
Tray Feeders
The advantage of having a tray feeder is that some birds like to eat in the open. They like to land and grab and fly off. Some don't want little perches and bars, but wide open areas to sit and eat.
A tray feeder is easy to fill and clean and it has other advantages. I use mine in summer to hold the grubs I dig up in the garden. Just plop the grubs, tomato worms or any other pests into the feeder and watch the birds swoop in and gobble them up.
Birds Choice - SNHPF125 - Weatherproof Recycled Poly-Composite 10x10 Hanging Tray Feeder
The bottom is a mesh screen for good air circulation. This type of feeder is useless in a snowstorm but great on nice days. It's very easy to fill and clean and can hold any type of food except maybe thistle which might fall through the screen.
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 11/30/2009) 
A Tufted Titmouse Eats Whole Peanuts From a Tray Feeder
Tray Feeder With A Roof
Similar to the one shown in my top section, a tray feeder with a cover helps keep seed dry and free from being covered with snow. There are no guarantees, but the cover does help.
This is a good feeder to use for bread products that you don't want to get wet and soggy.
My son used to leave little bits of his waffle every morning and I'd put them in the feeder for the Blue Jays who showed up no fail, expecting their waffles for breakfast.
Birds Choice Recycled Fly-Thru Bird Feeder with Green Roof
Amazon Price: $61.64 (as of 11/30/2009)
Unless you have a pole to add this feeder to, you might want one with a hook on top for hanging.
I like to have the option of being able to hang it, but this one is made of recycled material and in my experience they hold up very well and you are helping the environment too.
Winter Storms
are hard on birds and they will be looking for food. If you know a storm is coming, be sure to fill your feeders because you will have extra mouths to feed!
Attracting Cardinals to Your Yard
Feed sunflower seeds in varying areas of the yard to get more than one Cardinal to eat there. They are territorial and will chase each other away otherwise. They like to eat on the ground, but be aware that sunflower seed shells can kill the grass!
Wood Sculpture
Mr Cardinal
Northern Cardinal (i...
Northern Cardinal (f...
Northern Cardinal
Virginia Welcomes Yo...
Cardinal
Female cardinal
Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinal
Cardinal bird
Cardinal bird
Storing Bird Seed
BEHRENS INC 6110 10GAL STL Garbage Pail
Large bags of seed are usually the least expensive, but a large container is needed for storage.
Birds are not the only wildlife that love sunflower and thistle seed. If seeds aren't stored in the right containers, mice will have a feast!
I keep my seed in a metal container on the back porch which makes it convenient to get to.
I have found that a small plastic cup works well to fill the thistle feeders.
De-Icer: Not Pretty, But Effective
Farm Innovators Economical Bird Bath De-Icer Model B-9, 44-Watt
This inexpensive water de-icer gets rave reviews at Amazon. Birds are thirsty in winter and when everything is frozen your heated birdbath will be a life saver for them. I've been shopping around for an inexpensive way to accomodate my bird visitors and came across this heater that has 5 star reviews.
One commenter said that the cord was a bit short, but I imagine that most heaters would need an extension cord anyway.
Some of My Most Used Feeders- Winter 2008-09
Lazuli Bunting, Chickadee, House Finch & Robin
Don't Buy This!
Just my opinion....
Heritage Farms Seeds n More Metal Hopper Bird Feeder
I see no point in buying fancy feeders like this one. I suppose the selling point is to save money by having two feeders in one, but the truth is - as I see it- the birds will scare each other off. While the seed eating birds are trying to eat the sunflower or mixed seed, the woodpecker will be waiting for his turn on the suet. I don't see them all eating happily together on one feeder!
Also, the suet will be difficult to empty or change out. when it is almost gone, but not quite - how easy will it be to add new?
I suggest keeping the feeders separate. If you have another opinion, I'd love to hear it!
Get a Deal on Bird Feeders at Ebay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
My Favorite Suet Feeder
Birds Choice - SNTPG - Weatherproof Recycled Poly-Composite Tail-Prop Suet Bird Feeder
Amazon Price: $17.94 (as of 11/30/2009)
Woodpeckers are the primary birds I make suet for and they use their tails to "prop" themselves while they eat. It's more like eating the bugs out of trees and I guess more comfortable.
If you watch them eat from a wire cage suet feeder, without a prop, their tails curl up underneath.
This one is made of recycled material and is very sturdy. The top lifts up and you just drop the suet cake in.
Make Your Own Suet!
It's easy, inexpensive and the birds love it!
This is so much better than the store bought stuff. And if you make a big batch and freeze it, you won't have to do it too often. Of course that depends on how many hungry suet eating birds come to your yard!It's a good project for kids to help with as well and even can be used as a small gift for neighbors or teachers.
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Make Your Own Suet and Feed the Birds!
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Do not make your own suet unless you are prepared to do it often. The birds (and squirrels if they can get at it) will love this stuff and it will disappear almost before the the next batch is made! If you have a little time and want to help the birds...
Buying Suet Cakes
Superior Blend Suet Case Bird Food
Other
Buy suet by the case and never run out. Suet goes fast in the winter months as the woodpeckers, chickadees, titmouse and bluejays gobble it up. If you don't want to make your own suet, shop around for a deal.
Bring The Birds To The Window
This simple little feeder works!
Duncraft Classic Window Bird Feeder
I set it up on the bottom of the picture window in the living room and right away I had goldfinches in it. The opening is a bit small for larger birds, but the finches would come and sit and munch away just inches from my face!
It was so cool to be that close to them. The reflection from the glass apparently keeps the birds from seeing you inside - unless you move! It became one of my favorite feeders and I was refilling it often.
The suction cups are plenty strong and the only issue I had was that it had to be cleaned out often. But it was worth it.
Cold Weather vs. Warm Weather Feeding
In the cold winter months, the birds will come to depend on eating at a regular spot, so if you decide to begin feeding the birds in winter, you should continue at least until spring. After that, they will be able to find their own food, or you can keep spoiling them with their favorite seeds.
I stop feeding the birds once Spring arrives because of bears and the interest they take in bird seed. I've lost more than one feeder by leaving them out overnight and even during the day I've had bears moseying through the yard headed for the thistle feeder.
But feeding birds in summer will give you the advantage to see some different species. Two years ago I had a beautiful blue Indigo Bunting that would eat on the ground. I also attracted a lot of Cardinals by throwing sunflower seeds on the grass.
Indigo Bunting Photos
Indigo Bunting
Chickadee and Buntin...
Bunting and Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Indigo Bunting
Maximum Blue
IndigoBunting
Indigo Bunting {Pass...
Indigo Bunting by J...
The Indigo Bunting
Thistle Feeder
Goldfinches, Purple Finches, Redpolls and other thistle eaters will clamor to get a spot on a Thistle feeder.
Choosing one with metal around the openings keeps the squirrels from chewing the holes to get at the seed.
Audubon NAGGTUBE1 Going Green Thistle Tube Bird Feeder
Amazon Price: $38.47 (as of 11/30/2009)
I have a plastic thistle feeder (pictured above) and one year the bear got ahold of it and bent the metal hanger, but recently a squirrel chewed a hole in the bottom, so it's pretty much shot for next winter.
When I buy a new one for next winter, I will choose one that is sturdier with metal around the openings to deter the squirrels.
Tube Feeders
I own this feeder (but mine is not copper). I did not use it this past winter because I didn't have a pole to put it on and it works best on a pole or post.
The top comes off for filling with seed and the 3 separate tubes make it possible to feed all different types of birds with one feeder.
It is a little bit difficult to clean because of the three tubes and I suggest you use "Feeder Fresh" for all tube feeders to keep the seed from molding.
Triple-Tube Bird Feeder - Copper
Amazon Price: $66.70 (as of 11/30/2009)
Feeder Fresh
Buy Feeder Fresh at Amazon
This bottle contains little granules that absorb moisture from the feeders when they are full of seeds. It's especially helpful for thistle seed and tube feeders in rainy weather or the humidity in mid-summer.
If the seed gets wet, it will turn moldy and might make the birds sick.
According to the label on Feeder Fresh, it is not harmful to birds, and from what I've seen they just eat around it.
Directions say to add a little to the bottom of the feeder, then fill the feeder with seed and sprinkle more on top.
I use it and it does work. It will save you time (cleaning out rotted seed) and money (throwing out moldy seed).
Sapphire Labs Feeder Fresh, 9 Ounce
Amazon Price: $11.42 (as of 11/30/2009)
It's simple to use, safe for the birds, and will safe you time and money by keeping the seed dry and the feeder cleaner.
"Sometimes homemade feeders
such as this piece of slate will work just as well."
Redpolls and Finches Were Numerous Last Winter
Tell me about your birds or just say hi.
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Reply
- ClassyGals ClassyGals Nov 12, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
- Hi! Thanks for the advice on buying bird feeders. I never knew that it really made a difference.
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Reply
- ClassyGals ClassyGals Nov 12, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
- Hi! Thanks for the advice on buying bird feeders. I never knew that it really made a difference.
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Reply
- Ramkitten Ramkitten Oct 26, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
- I honestly never gave much thought to the types of feeders I've bought. It's really been hit or miss, but I've definitely noticed that some feeders are emptied much faster than others.
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Reply
- ArtByLinda ArtByLinda Aug 20, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
- Wonderful lens and great birdfeeder photos, I love watching the birds in my backyard!
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Reply
- dustytoes dustytoes Jul 30, 2009 @ 2:35 pm | in reply to spirituality
- Thank you Spirituality, for the blessing!
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Grosbeaks in Spring
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Feeding Hummingbirds
In New Hampshire, where I live, I put the hummingbird feeders out the first of May and soon afterwards they show up.I take the feeder in when the cold weather drives the birds south and I no longer see them around.
I prefer to have lots of flowers for the hummingbirds instead of mixing up nectar, but I have recently moved and don't have much of a flower garden any longer, so I feed them outside my slider.
To mix the sugar-water:
I use a 2 cup plastic container and mix 1/2 cup of sugar with a cup of water in a measuring cup and heat that in the microwave to dissolve the sugar. Then I mix the sugar water with enough cold water to fill the container. I add some to the feeder (it doesn't have to be filled) and save the rest in the refrigerator.
Replace the food every few days in cool weather, and every day if you live in a hot climate!
This is my old feeder- I had two like this and they both broke. I don't recommend cheap plastic feeders.
Hummingbird Feeders at Amazon
Unless you go through lots of nectar quickly, don't buy a feeder with a large holder since it will go bad before it's eaten. Or only fill it partially until you know how much they will be eating.
The nectar should be replaced every couple of days - or every day if you live in a very hot area.
Perky Pet 203CP Pinch Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder, 8 oz capacity
Amazon Price: $12.02 (as of 11/30/2009)
This is one of the best of the less expensive feeders I've found. The glass tube is easy to clean and fill and I would recommend adding the "foot stands" which come separately. My hummingbirds like to land and drink.
More Online Places to Find Feeders
I don't believe there is any such thing as a completely squirrel proof feeder, but some of them do a pretty good job.
A ground feeder will get the cardinals and other ground feeders to the yard without messing up the grass and it helps keep the seed fresh because the air circulates through it.
- Back Yard Birds & Discover Center - Ground Tray Feeders
- See their selection of cedar and wood tray feeders for feeding close to the ground.
- Squirrel Blocker Pavillion Feeder
- This is the same feeder I have shown in the photo above - with the Grosbeaks -and it comes with a wire grid to keep in the bottom so the birds will be able to get the seed but not the squirrels.
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