Birding Mania presents The Bird Perch - Understanding Bird Feeders

Understanding Bird Feeders

There are very few things as enjoyable as setting up a bird feeder and watching the activities of the different types of birds that come to feed. What birds come to your feeder will be in a large part determined by where you live. But even if you live in a city, you could be surprised by the occasional migrating bird that stops by for a quick meal. What type of feeder and what type of food you supply will also play a role in what birds you attract to your feeder.

When you first go looking for a bird feeder you will soon find there are almost as many choices as there are species of birds. There is a simple way of choosing a bird feeder though so don't let the variety get you down. Deciding what the birds you want to visit your feeder eats is one part of the puzzle. Do you have squirrels in your yard that can steal the food? Also where will you be placing the feeder? Answering those three simple questions will get you on the right path in the beginning, now let's look at some of the different types of feeders and narrow your choice down a little further.

First you have to look at some features that will apply to all the different types of bird feeders. Is in easy to use? That applies to both the birds using it and to you when you have to add seed and clean it. Also remember that birds use their sight to find food. When you first put up a feeder you want the birds to be able to see the food so they know where to go. Many also feed in groups, so you want your first bird feeder to be rather large. This way the birds will see it or see other birds using it and you will be able to feed a larger number of birds at one time. After the birds know there is food available in this area it is easy to add smaller feeders and have the birds be able to find them.

The first and most basic type of bird feeder would be a tray type. These can either be bought at any bird supply store or you can build a simple one yourself. Which ever way you go, be sure there is a lip around the tray to help prevent seed from being kicked to the ground. A variation of this would have a roof on it and is sometimes called a fly through. This type has the advantage of providing a little shade and shelter for the birds feeding there. This type of feeder should really be your choice for a first bird feeder. It will attract a large variety of birds pretty much where ever you are.

The next type would be considered an auto feeder type. These are normally either box or cylinder shaped. The way the work is simple really. You fill the box or cylinder with bird seed. At the bottom there is normally a tray attached and a slot at the bottom of the seed container. As the birds eat the seed more comes out the slot to replenish what has been eaten. This continues till the container is empty. A big plus with this type of feeder is you don't have to fill it as often as the other types.

The third type of feeder would be a wire mesh type. These are most often used to hold suet for the birds and should be included in your feeder collection. These feeders can also be used for holding some of the larger bird seeds such as sunflower seeds and peanuts. Naturally you would be attracting larger birds to this type of set up if you where using seeds with it.

The last type of feeder is used primarily for feeding hummingbirds. This would be the nectar type. Look for a bright red or orange-red color for this one. They are the two colors that hummingbirds are most attracted to. You can either but pre-made nectar or make a simple sugar water solution for this feeder. Again ease of filling and cleaning are vary important. Also don't be to surprised to see other types of birds using this feeder. Woodpeckers, some finches and others all enjoy a good drink of nectar now and then. Also some type of bee guard is a good thing here to help prevent competition between the bees and the hummingbirds.

In conclusion make sure what ever type of feeder you buy is well made and durable. Avoid the cheap plastic models and go with better made and yes costlier models. Even though they will cost you more at first you will save money in the long run by not having to replace it every year.

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