Some Tips On Choosing A Bird Feeder

Bird watching is a popular hobby and many people enjoy doing this right from their own home. They set up bird feeders to attract a variety of birds or certain species and enjoy studying and watching them. Not only does this make an enjoyable hobby for many, but also one way to help the birds. If you are deciding on a bird feeder, here are some tips to help you along.

There are many different types of feeders that you can buy. The most popular is the hopper feeder, which is convenient because you open the top to put the seeds in and it protects them from the elements. Thistle feeders are also a choice, they are like tubes with very small holes to allow the thistle to stay inside, but be eaten easily by the birds. There are also ground, suet, hummingbird, and peanut feeders.

Different types of feeders hold a different amount of food. Typically, choosing one that holds a large volume keeps the seeds from the weather and clean, plus convenient as you do not have to fill them so often. But it depends on what types of seeds you will be using and if you want only certain species of birds visiting.

Placement of the feeder can be a tough choice. You need to keep it away from squirrels, or at least make it hard for them to steal the food and scare the birds away. However, you want one that is convenient for you to get to easily and to clean up under when necessary. Popular choices are pole-mounted feeders, the most effective in deterring squirrels. Some also like them hanging on the side of the home or right in front of a window. Hanging them on trees is pretty, but again, if you have squirrels, it is like an invitation for them to take over.

Choosing the seeds can depend upon what you are hoping to achieve. Sunflower seeds are favorites of chickadees, cardinals, jays, finches, and woodpeckers. The sparrows, cardinals, doves, and finches will come for safflower seeds. Cracked corn is good to attract jays, grouse, pigeons, pheasants, and ducks. Peanut butter cakes with grains and seeds inside are called suet cakes and these attract many different types of birds, including bluebirds, wrens, and goldfinches.

Whether you enjoy watching birds or just like to see them outside your window, installing a bird feeder or two in your yard will bring nature right to you. They are easy to install and there are a variety to chose from, whether you want a mix or specific species of birds. The nice thing about them is that while you are enjoying the beauty they bring to your backyard, the birds are enjoying you fattening them up for the winter months ahead.

Looking to install bird feeders in your yard that will attract the birds you are interested in, then visit Wild Bird Haven to find some great hints on bird feeder types and positioning.