Buying a birdfeeder may seem like a straightforward task on the surface, but there many factors that you need to take into consideration before you settle on a final decision.
The type of birdfeeder that you end up purchasing will depend on the actual species of birds that you want to attract. If you haven’t thought about this yet then it may pay to do a little research and find out which birds frequent your local area.
Choosing a birdfeeder
There are several different types of birdfeeder to choose from. Most of them will be particularly suited to a different type of location, type of seed and as a result specific bird species.
Seed tube feeders – these are best suited to smaller birds because their compact design does not accommodate larger birds. They can easily be hung or mounted to a post in most locations and are usually made from PVC. Tube feeders will likely attract finches and chickadees although if you want to attract larger birds also then placing a feeder tray at the base of the tube will encourage them to perch.
Hopper birdfeeders – these tend to be more ornate and intricate in design thanks to their wider range of construction materials like cedar. They are also better suited to attracting a wider range of different sized birds and may even entice ground feeders if the ground is coated in ice or snow.
Ground birdfeeders – if the majority of the birds in your area prefer to feed on the ground, then this type of setup will be for you. Such birds include native doves and sparrows and also cardinals. The feeder is usually perched a few inches off the ground and all seed is conveniently contained to the confines of the feeder to prevent it falling on the ground and spoiling.
Perforated bottoms will allow water to seep through instead of collecting and potentially ruining the seed also.
Platform birdfeeders – as the name suggests, these types of birdfeeders consist of a platform perched on top of a pole. They can be seen with or without rooves although a roof is preferred to keep the weather out and the seed dry. They suit birds of a variety of shapes and sizes and if placed high enough, can keep unwated animals like squirrels at bay.
In some cases platform birdfeeders can have more space allowing you to place larger pieces of food on them like fruits and nuts for example.
Placing your birdfeeder in the correct position
Once you have decided on a style, you need to think about where you are going to put it. Ideally you want to place the birdfeeder in a highly visible area. Perhaps you like to watch the birds first thing in the morning when you wake or maybe you like to watch them while you are doing dishes in the kitchen.
The best location will be dependent upon maximum visibility for the bird watchers, proximity to trees and structures to keep pests away and the type of bird you want to attract or its preferred feeding location.
You should also place birdfeeders in a location where it is easily accessible at all times of year. Do you really want to have to walk out to the back corner of your yard in the middle of bad weather to replenish the seed?
If you get these factors right you will have many years of pleasurable bird watching ahead of you.