BIRD FEEDERS

Want to attract different species of birds to your garden? This informative article by K J Goodwin will help you get started.

Adding a Bird Feeder to Your Garden Is a Great Way to Attract Birds to Your Backyard

By K J Goodwin

Bird watching in your backyard can be a fun and relaxing hobby 
while learning about the different bird species that live in your
 local area. 

Adding a bird feeder to your garden is a great way to attract more 
birds to your backyard. There are many types of bird feeders 
available including Tray, Hopper, Hummingbird, Suet and Tube. 
One of the most popular styles of feeders is the tube feeder.

Tube Feeders: Tube feeders; just as the name implies, are a tube or tubes of clear plastic that have at least two ports with perches for the birds to access the seed. Most tube feeders fill from the top and will allow you to use a variety of mixed seeds, or peanuts whole or shelled. Different types of seed will attract different species of birds; however a good tip is to fill with black-oil sunflower seeds because of the large variety of bird species that enjoy it. Tube feeders are easy to hang from a tree limb or can be placed on a post. Look for a tube feeder with a removable base that allows for easy cleaning of the feeder. You can add a tray to the bottom of the feeder to attract lager birds and keep the seed from falling to the ground. However squirrels have been known to use this as a seating area.

Tray Feeders: Tray feeders; shaped like a serving tray or plate with raised edges make for excellent viewing as birds come to feed. Tray feeders can be hung from a tree limb be mounted on a pole, a deck railing, or placed a few inches above the ground on a tree stump. Any type of seed mixture can be use and because the seed is so visible to the birds, they find tray feeders easily. Because of the open design, a tray feeder is exposed to the weather and other wildlife such as squirrels. Another tray feeder style is the fly-through feeder. Essentially a tray feeder with a roof, all of the same principals apply, except the roof will protect the seed from the elements.

Hopper Feeders: Hopper feeders; sometimes referred to as bird house feeders, come in a variety of styles. Many have the look of Lanterns, Carriage Lights, and Gazebos. The added style of hopper feeders can make them wonderful garden décor as well as being functional. Any type of seed mixture can be used. Hopper feeders have a large seed capacity; many will hold 2 plus pounds of seed, so make sure that the hopper feeder you buy is made of quality material from a brand you can trust. Hopper feeders fill from the top with half of the roof on hinges, or the whole top may be removable. Clear plastic sides allow you to check seed level, with a ½ inch gap at the bottom to allow seed to release. The base of a hopper feeder allows even larger birds like Cardinals, Jays and Woodpeckers to stop in your yard.

Suet Feeders: Most suet feeders or suet cages are mounted directly to a tree trunk or large branch with a nail or cup hook. There are also suet feeders with a tail prop for woodpeckers to balance with their tail. They are intended to hang freely from a tree branch. If you're not using a suet feeder, you're missing an opportunity to attract a wider variety of birds. You see, not all birds eat seed. By adding a suet feeder you will attract non-seed eating birds like Woodpeckers, Bushtits, Nuthatches, Wrens, and Kinglets. Suet itself is rendered beef with other natural ingredients such as fruit and nuts, peanuts and corn meal there is also suet with a dash of hot pepper; which discourages squirrels and other mammals; but the birds still love it! Suet is formed into cakes or plugs and simply placed into the cage. Unused suet should be stored in the freezer or refrigerator for freshness. Here's a quick tip; when first starting to use a suet feeder, smear the cage with a combination of peanut butter and bird seed. Sometimes birds don't recognize suet as food but do recognize seed. This should jump-start activity at your suet feeder.

Hummingbird Feeders: Hummingbirds naturally eat small insects such as aphids, gnats and spider mites, but they also love nectar. If you want to attract more hummingbirds to your garden you will need to provide them with more nectar either with your plants or by adding a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds are instinctively attracted to red, so be sure to buy a red feeder. You should hang a nectar feeder away from seed feeders, and always provide fresh nectar by changing the nectar every three to four days. Using homemade nectar is less expensive and usually better for the birds. Simply use a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar. Always boil the water to remove impurities and to dissolve the sugar. There is no need to add food coloring.

So, if you're looking to attract more birds to your backyard, adding one or two of these bird feeders should do the trick. Always remember to follow the instructions for set-up and always keep your bird feeders clean and filled with fresh food for many years of enjoyment of our feathered friends.

If you love having birds in your garden, and you want to attract more to your backyard, we suggest adding a bird feeder. Adding a bird feeder or two to your garden will not only provide a place for birds to come and eat, but also add enjoyment to your yard as you watch birds flock to your welcoming habitat.

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