Bird Feeder
A bird feeder is a device that is designed to provide birds with a source of food, typically in the form of seeds, nuts, or fruit. Bird feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be hung from trees or placed on a pole in your backyard.
Bird feeders can attract a wide variety of birds, including finches, chickadees, cardinals, and sparrows. They can also help to bring birds closer to your home, providing you with the opportunity to observe their behavior and enjoy their beauty.
When choosing a bird feeder, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Type of feeder: There are several types of bird feeders, including tube feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders. Each type is designed to attract different types of birds, so consider the birds you want to attract when choosing a feeder.
- Feeder placement: Place your bird feeder in a location that is easily visible from inside your home, but also in an area that is safe for birds. Avoid placing your feeder near windows, as birds can collide with them, and keep it away from areas where cats or other predators may be lurking.
- Seed type: Different types of birds prefer different types of seeds, so choose a seed mix that is appropriate for the birds you want to attract. Black oil sunflower seeds are a good all-around choice, as many bird species enjoy them.
- Feeder cleaning: Clean your bird feeder regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to birds. Use a stiff brush and hot, soapy water to clean the feeder, and rinse it thoroughly before refilling it with seed.
- Squirrel protection: Squirrels can be a problem for bird feeders, as they can empty them quickly and also damage the feeder itself. Look for feeders that are designed to be squirrel-proof, or consider placing a baffle or other deterrent around the feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole
Hanging Feeders –
Hanging bird feeders are one of the most popular types of bird feeders and can be a great addition to your backyard. Here are some tips for using hanging feeders:
- Choose the right location: Hanging feeders should be placed in a location that is easily visible from your home, but also away from areas where predators like cats and squirrels may be lurking. Consider placing the feeder near a tree or bush, as birds like to have a place to perch and rest between visits to the feeder.
- Hang the feeder securely: Make sure your feeder is hung securely to prevent it from falling and spilling seed or injuring birds. Use a sturdy hook or hanger, and make sure the feeder is hung at the right height. Generally, hanging feeders should be hung at least five feet off the ground to prevent squirrels and other animals from reaching them.
- Choose the right feeder: There are many different types of hanging bird feeders available, including tube feeders, hopper feeders, and suet feeders. Consider the types of birds you want to attract when choosing a feeder, and make sure the feeder is appropriate for the type of seed you plan to use.
- Keep the feeder clean: Regularly cleaning your hanging feeder is important to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to birds. Use a stiff brush and hot, soapy water to clean the feeder, and rinse it thoroughly before refilling it with seed.
- Monitor seed levels: Check the seed levels in your feeder regularly and refill them as needed. Birds may stop visiting the feeder if it runs out of seed, so keeping it filled is important for maintaining bird activity in your backyard.
House Hopper Style –
A hopper-style birdhouse is a type of birdhouse that is designed to attract a variety of bird species, including sparrows, finches, and wrens. It gets its name from the way it works – the roof of the birdhouse is hinged and can be lifted, allowing seed or other bird food to be poured into the hopper.
Here are some tips for using a hopper-style birdhouse:
- Choose the right location: Hopper birdhouses should be placed in a location that is easily visible from your home, but also away from areas where predators like cats and squirrels may be lurking. Consider placing the birdhouse near a tree or bush, as birds like to have a place to perch and rest between visits to the feeder.
- Hang or mount the birdhouse securely: Make sure your hopper-style birdhouse is hung or mounted securely to prevent it from falling or tipping over. Use a sturdy hook or hanger, or mount the birdhouse on a pole or post.
- Choose the right seed: Hopper-style birdhouses are designed to hold seed or other bird food, so choose the right type of seed for the birds you want to attract. Black oil sunflower seeds are a good all-around choice, as many bird species enjoy them.
- Keep the birdhouse clean: Regularly cleaning your hopper-style birdhouse is important to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to birds. Use a stiff brush and hot, soapy water to clean the birdhouse, and rinse it thoroughly before refilling it with seed.
- Monitor seed levels: Check the seed levels in your hopper-style birdhouse regularly and refill them as needed. Birds may stop visiting the birdhouse if it runs out of seed, so keeping it filled is important for maintaining bird activity in your backyard.
By following these tips, you can successfully attract a variety of birds to your backyard with a hopper-style birdhouse.
Suet Feeders –
Suet feeders are a type of bird feeder that is designed to hold suet, which is a high-energy food that is especially attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and other insect-eating birds. Here are some tips for using suet feeders:
- Choose the right location: Suet feeders should be placed in a location that is easily visible from your home, but also away from areas where predators like cats and squirrels may be lurking. Consider placing the feeder near a tree or bush, as birds like to have a place to perch and rest between visits to the feeder.
- Hang the feeder securely: Make sure your suet feeder is hung securely to prevent it from falling and spilling the suet or injuring birds. Use a sturdy hook or hanger, and make sure the feeder is hung at the right height. Generally, suet feeders should be hung at least five feet off the ground to prevent squirrels and other animals from reaching them.
- Choose the right suet: Suet comes in many different forms, including plain, flavored, and mixed with other ingredients like seeds or fruits. Consider the types of birds you want to attract when choosing suet, and make sure the suet is appropriate for the season. In hot weather, choose suet that is less likely to melt or spoil, and in cold weather, choose suet that is high in fat and energy.
- Keep the feeder clean: Regularly cleaning your suet feeder is important to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to birds. Use a stiff brush and hot, soapy water to clean the feeder, and rinse it thoroughly before refilling it with suet.
- Monitor suet levels: Check the suet levels in your feeder regularly and refill them as needed. Birds may stop visiting the feeder if it runs out of suet, so keeping it filled is important for maintaining bird activity in your backyard.
Humming Bird Feeders –
Hummingbird feeders are a type of bird feeder that is designed to attract hummingbirds, which are small, fast-flying birds that feed on nectar. Here are some tips for using hummingbird feeders:
- Choose the right location: Hummingbird feeders should be placed in a location that is easily visible from your home, but also away from areas where predators like cats may be lurking. Consider placing the feeder near flowers or other plants that hummingbirds like, as they will be more likely to find it.
- Hang the feeder securely: Make sure your hummingbird feeder is hung securely to prevent it from falling and spilling nectar or injuring birds. Use a sturdy hook or hanger, and make sure the feeder is hung at the right height. Hummingbird feeders should be hung at eye level or slightly above eye level.
- Choose the right nectar: Nectar is the primary food source for hummingbirds, and it is important to use the right type of nectar in your feeder. Homemade nectar can be made by mixing one part of white granulated sugar with four parts of water and boiling the mixture for one to two minutes. Avoid using honey or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to birds.
- Keep the feeder clean: Regularly cleaning your hummingbird feeder is important to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to birds. Use a bottle brush and hot, soapy water to clean the feeder, and rinse it thoroughly before refilling it with fresh nectar.
- Monitor nectar levels: Check the nectar levels in your feeder regularly and refill them as needed. Hummingbirds have a high metabolism and need to feed frequently, so keeping the feeder filled is important for maintaining bird activity in your backyard.
See more: Bird Health