You can make a bird feeder or buy one. The type of bird
feeder you use will determine which birds come to your yard to eat.
Most feeders fall into one of three
categories: tray feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders.
Tray or Platform Feeder
A tray or platform feeder is any flat, raised surface in which
birdseed is spread. A disadvantage of the tray or platform feeder is
that they do not offer protection against other seed eating
creatures such as squirrels or from rain or snow.
House or Hopper Feeder
A hopper feeder is essentially a platform feeder with the addition
of walls and a roof. Seed is usually gravity feed into the tray by
hoppers. The hopper design protects seed from the rain or snow.
Tube feeders are hollow cylinders with multiple feeding ports and
perches. The type of birds attracted to a tube feeder depend on the
size of the perches under the feeding ports.
Scatter seeds directly on the ground
Types Of Bird Seed
Birds are like people. Some like one kind of food and
another may like something else. Following is a list of bird
foods that may attract birds to your feeder.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed (In most areas, black-oil
sunflower seed attracts the greatest variety of birds.)
Striped Sunflower Seed
Packaged Wild Bird Seed
Peanuts (shelled for smaller birds)
Thistle Seed (also known as niger)
Apples and oranges (sliced)
Experiment to see which birds like which foods.
For more information, check out the
Cornell Lab's table of birds and their food preferences.
The location of your bird feeder is
very important. Birds will feel more comfortable if the feeder
is hung in an area that provides cover from aerial predators, but is
far enough from bushes to keep cats from sneaking up on feeding
birds. Partially shaded or shaded areas are generally better
than full sun because the temperatures will remain more moderate and
the birds will be sheltered from winds.
The feeders should be placed to avoid noisy areas. Placing the
feeders too close to large windows may also discourage birds from
visiting if they can see people moving inside.
It may take a few days (or weeks) for birds to find
your feeder, but if it is full of fresh food, they will come.
You can entice birds to come closer to your feeder by placing food
on the ground nearby. Be patient!
Some people believe that tying a small piece of
aluminum foil on your feeder so it glints in the sun will help birds
spot your feeder.
If birds still don't use your feeder, you may need
to check your food. If it is wet or moldy, clean your feeder
and restock it with fresh food. You can also supply water at
your feed site as well as food. Birds need water, too!