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Introduction to Bird Feeders

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Joseph Addison wrote, “I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs.” As Addison knew, you don’t have to go into the forest to watch birds; if you provide the food, the birds will come to you. A bird feeder, therefore, not only feeds the birds, but it also enables you to enjoy the actions and songs of birds (not to mention controlling the insect level at your home).

Birds are especially appreciative of bird feeders in the winter when snow hides their normal food sources, but many species will visit a feeder throughout the year. Different species, however, often prefer different types of feeders.

• Tube Feeders: These tall, thin bird feeders hang from trees or under house eaves. Tube feeders best accommodate small birds, but some models have bases that also allow for some larger birds.

• Platform Feeders: Platform feeders are the most common type of bird feeders, and they accommodate birds of all sizes. Platform feeders can be as simple as a piece of cardboard or as extravagant as a small decorative building.

• Hummingbird Feeders: Hummingbirds are among the most popular birds for bird watching, and you can attract them using a tube feeder that is filled with nectar instead of seed. Make sure that some part of the feeder is red, or tie a red ribbon to the feeder, to attract these entertaining birds.

Besides hummingbird feeders, you can purchase feeders designed for several other specific species, such as finches. In addition, in most cases, birds will also discard seeds onto the ground below the feeders, so in essence, you have a ground feeder operating beneath your primary bird feeder. You simply need to decide what type of birds you want to attract, so you know which bird feeder to display.

Next Page: Purchasing and Placement Tips

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