Feeders for the Birds
The basics for your
feathered friends
 Tube
Feeders
Hopper
Feeders
Suet
Feeders
Hummingbird
Feeders
Squirrel
Stoppers
Birds chirping outside your window make for a much nicer wake-up
call than your average alarm clock, but to get birds flocking to your
backyard, you'll need the perfect feeder. The right feeder depends on
which species of bird you're looking to attract.
Tube
Feeders
Perfect for attracting small species such as chickadees and various
finches, tube feeders feature short perches that deter larger
seed-hogs such as jays from dominating the feeder. Feeding stations
range from 4 to as many as 12, and the tubes are typically plastic.
Cleaning the tubes will require a long brush unless the model includes
a removable seed tray.
Tube feeders can be hung from a branch or bracket and range from a
seed capacity of .5 quarts to 2.5 quarts. Usually fine for a wide
variety of seeds including sunflower, some tube feeders are
specifically designed for smaller seeds like thistle.
Hopper Feeders
This is your good ol' fashioned feeder, holding lots of feed,
allowing even big birds to eat, and accommodating seeds of almost any
size. Hopper feeders are usually simple to clean and can attract even
the shyest birds… as well as seed hogs like jays and squirrels.
Hopper feeders can be mounted on a post or pole. Most of the
novelty feeders you'll find are hoppers, and can be as much about
décor as they are about feeding.
Suet
Feeders
Suet, a sticky mix that usually includes lard, peanut butter,
sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet, can attract woodpeckers,
orioles, cardinals, kinglets, and a host of others. Suet feeders are
the simplest feeders in design: typically a cage made of metal (look
for ones with vinyl epoxy coating, which resists rust) to hold the
suet, and a roof to keep the rain and snow away. Suet feeders are
frequently used during winter because suet can melt during hot summer
months, making these feeders a sticky chore.
Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are obviously meant to attract beautiful,
delicate hummers. These feeders often feature plastic or glass feeding
tubes. Glass is more durable and easier to clean, but plastic is the
bargain hunter's choice.
Many feeders offer only one feeding station, while others have as
many as six, and may even include a perch (that will frequently go
unused). The ubiquitous red flower feeding station is still around.
Hummers don't care either way, as long as there's a good hummer mix
inside the feeder. One thing to remember with hummingbird feeders is
that more decorative does not always mean more functional.
Squirrel Stoppers
Where there's seed, there will be an abundance of sneaky squirrels.
Manufacturers have devised many ways of trying to keep them away from
precious birdseed, ranging from specially slanted roofs to cages
around feeding stations. While these squirrel-proof feeders may be
more expensive, you'll save bundles on seed in the long run. |
