Some information and bird feeder advice can be helpful in tackling the numerous choices that need to be made when beginning to feed birds. You need to choose what type of feeder to use, where to place your feeder, what kind of bird seed to use, and when to start feeding. You should also learn how to protect your visiting birds. For those just embarking on bird feeding, here is some useful information you can use.
. Most people feed in winter, but you can feed all year round, especially on nesting seasons. The extra food can help the birds a lot!
. Sunflower seed is the best seed to use. Most birds will eat this kind of seed. You can also use mixes, but make sure it has a high content of sunflower seeds.
. There are a number of different types of feeders available. Choosing the right one will depend on the ease of cleanup and maintenance, durability and the kind of species you want to attract.
. Cleaning the feeder should be done regularly. Remember, spoiled food can drive your birds away, or worse -cause your birds to fall ill and die.
. Protect the birds that you invite into your backyard. Be wary of cats and squirrels in your area. Use baffles, squirrel proof bird feeders or leave your feeders in strategic locations that are difficult for squirrels to get to. Hang your feeders at least 5 feet from the ground and at least 10 feet away from the nearest jump-off point.
. Only put out a limited number of seeds, mostly enough for 1 or 2 days to limit contamination and spoilage.
. Remember to keep your cat indoors when birds are feeding in your backyard. You can also put a bell around your cat if you have one. The bell will warn the birds if the cat is nearby.
After you've been feeding birds for a while, try this advice on how to further enhance your bird feeding experience:
. For a wider variety and number of birds, try putting several bird feeders in different areas in your backyard.
. Use different types of bird feeders and seeds to attract different kinds of birds.
. Add a source of fresh, clean water. Dripping water attracts more birds into your backyard.
. When using hummingbird feeders, keep the feeders separate from each other to avoid any one bird from dominating the entire feeding area.
To help you decide on what feeder to use, here is an overview on the different types and the species they attract.
Types of Bird Feeders
Tray or Platform Bird Feeder Usually flat, raised structures where seeds are spread out. Can hold an extensive variety of bird feed like seeds, buts, fruits and egg shells. Sparrows, finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, blackbirds, wrens, cardinals, jays, woodpeckers, tanagers, orioles, cardinals
Hopper Feeder Box type containers that release food gradually as the birds eat and can hold large amounts of birdfeed and can keep them fairly dry. Can be used to dispense a wide variety of seeds. Sparrows, finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, blackbirds, cardinals, jays, grosbeaks, buntings, cardinals
Window Feeder Usually attached to a window or windowsill and made of clear plastic. finches, sparrows, chickadees and titmice
Tube Feeder Cylindrical in shape with a number of feeding ports. They are usually designed for sunflower and nyjer seeds. Finches, titmice, chickadees, woodpeckers and pine siskins
Suet Feeder Baskets usually made of wire or mesh that hold suet or suet cakes. Woodpeckers, chickadees, creepers, jays, nuthatches, wrens, bluebirds, mockingbirds
Hummingbird Feeder Specially designed for hummingbirds. Holds liquids, specifically nectar or sugar solution and has very small openings. Usually come decorated in red. Hummingbirds
Ground Feeder Generally placed near the ground and attract birds of the ground-feeding variety. Can usually hold the same type of seeds as the platform bird feeder. Sparrows, doves, quail, towhees, flickers, thrashers, juncos, cardinals
Specialized Feeder Specifically designed to accommodate the special kind of seeds or bird feed you might want to offer like thistle seeds, mealworm and peanuts. The bird species you attract are dependent on the type of feed you use.
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