Hanging bird feeders in the backyard has been a common thing for bird lovers range from all ages and different groups. For those you wondering why set up bird feeders and how to choose and use bird feeder, this article is for you, which may cover you some basic knowledge before you dive into the world of bird feeder setup.
The reasons why to set up bird feeders is varied. Apart from the reason that hanging bird feeders benefits the local bird population. The reasons differ from users. Some just for feeding birds with sufficient food and make birds healthier. Some would like to attract birds to their backyard and watch various lovely feathered visitors by capturing images of bird gathered on or around the feeders simply looking through the windows. Others may use professional devices to live stream or record the video of birds and learn their activities, and this bird watching is entertaining and relaxing past-time, which offers a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Now you know that hanging up bird feeders in the backyard provides lots of advantages, as a bird lover, especial the beginner, you are supposed to pay attention to feeder types and should get some tips on how to choose the best suitable bird feeder that meet your needs.
In fact, there are different types of bird feeders available on the market, and different types come with different features and some types of bird feeders are even specially designed for specific birds. With so many types of bird feeders available, choosing one can be overwhelming. Here we give you a quick reference guide to help you make the decision for a practical purchase.
First of all, let’s look through the types of bird feeders. When you are looking for bird feeders via online shopping, you may see various names of bird feeders, including tube feeders, tray or platform feeders, window feeders, hopper or house bird feeders, etc.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are hanging-type feeders that allow birds to feed through screens or ports. Depending on the size of the feeding ports, you can offer tiny nyjer seeds or larger seeds. Hollow tubes keep seed fairly clean and dry. One of the main advantages of a tube feeder is that it prevents competition from larger birds, such as jays.
Tray or Platform Feeders
Perhaps the simplest of the feeder designs, trays attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds, but tray feeders offer no protection against rain and snow. Bird droppings can quickly soil the seed in tray feeders.
Window Feeders
Window feeders usually are small plastic boxes or platforms that attach to a window with suction cups or hook to the window sill. They afford us wonderful, close-up views of birds, and their placement makes them the safest of all feeder types for preventing window collisions.
Hopper or “House” Feeders
To be honest, hopper bird feeder, or house bird feeders are the most recommended choice for the beginners or enthusiasts. Hopper bird feeders are attractive to most feeder birds, including sparrows, cardinals, and chickadees while the finches would prefer a thistle feeder. Another benefit of our hopper feeders is the amount of seed they can hold. Many houses can hold enough seed to last for several days. Moreover, this kind of feeder protects seeds fairly well against the weather and bird droppings due to its low and extended roof. Hopper feeders can be mounted on a pole or suspended.
Although most hopper feeders are much harder to clean than tray feeders, it is still a fair option for bird lovers to pick up on account with its multiple advantages. Some house feeders like our Green Backyard cedar bird feeder made from natural cedar wood help preserve the environment and resist insect fungi and rot. For people would like to install bird feeder camera to monitor the birds perch on or around the feeders, our bird feeder is camera ready bird feeder that is pre-made with the design that allow you to install a mini camera to watch birds remotely on mobile devices or TV.
One of the most important things to attract all kinds of birds to enjoy your feeder is to place the feeder in the right place and provide proper and healthy food. When changing bird feeders, you’d better find a safe, comfortable or convenient bird habitat. The best place to place the feeder will simulate the natural food preferences of birds. Placing a feeder near these natural sounds can help attract birds. Place bird feeders about 10 to 12 feet away from suitable shelters (such as trees). The paper feeder should be placed very close to the window (less than three feet) or farther away (more than 10 feet).
Pick up a cedar house bird feeder and install a bird feeder camera to gain the opportunity of wonderful bird watching with close and clear image of bird feeding or other bird activities.