All About Bird Feeders

Bird feeders create a warm atmosphere in your yard and provide sustenance for migrating birds at all times of the year.  In the winter and early spring, bird feeders furnish the majority of food supply for birds, as there is generally a shortage of seeds, insects, and berries in cold climates.

Feeding frenzy

Before you build or purchase your own bird feeder, you'll need to consider what types of birds you are trying to attract, and what kinds live in your area.  Here are a few of the more popular types of bird feeders:

Tube feeders are cylinder shaped, have openings up and down the tube, and short perches next to the openings. These are usually made out of plastic. Chickadees and goldfinches like these. 

Platform feeders are flat tables that are raised off the ground.  Because these feeders are in the open, they are not squirrel or weather proof. Cardinals, doves, and blackbirds like these.

Hopper feeders are bins or wooden houses that hold seeds which spill out the bottom as birds eat. The sides are generally enclosed, as well as the top. Use these for larger birds such as blue jays, grackles, cardinals, and starlings.

Bowl feeders are plastic, hanging bowls which are covered by a dome to keep bird food safe from the elements.

Window feeders are usually made out of plastic and use suction cups to hold them in place. Window feeders are nice because they allow you to observe birds up close.  Look for a squirrel proof feeder so that you can spend more time enjoying the birds.

Nectar feeders use liquid, rather than seed, and attract both hummingbirds and orioles.

Out in the open

Once you have purchased or built your bird feeder, you'll want to place it in a spot where it will get the most use.  Try placing it in an area with natural cover, such as shrubs, bushes or trees.  If you are going to hang it from a tree, choose a branch that isn't easily accessible to a cat or squirrel.

Keep it clean!

It is important to clean your feeder out every week.  Get rid of food trapped inside (you can sprinkle it on the ground) and remove hulls. Use a mixture of water and bleach to clean your feeder out.  Let the feeder dry before refilling with food.  You can also clean the ground below the feeder.  Moldy bits of food and droppings can make birds sick!

More information on  bird feeders