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 Feeding
wild birds is an interesting and varied hobby. Your
efforts can be as simple as spreading seed on the
ground or you can develop an elaborate system of
feeders and waterers to attract a wider variety of
species. It is an inexpensive hobby and one that
everyone in the family can enjoy.
There is a wide
selection of feeder types to consider in
establishing your first feeding station. Different
types of feeders require varying levels of care and
attract different species. Consider several
different types of feeders to maximize the variety
of birds you attract. When purchasing a new feeder,
start by selecting one that is easy to fill and
easy to clean. Weather resistant cedar or redwood
is a good choice for wooden feeders but other types
of wood are acceptable. Avoid chemically treated
lumber. The types of birds that show up at your
feeder will also vary by your location and the time
of year.
Ground feeding is the easiest and quickest way to
get started. Spreading seed, cracked corn, bread
crumbs, raisins and peanuts can attract a variety
of species. The area should be dry and the ground
feeding area rotated every several days unless it
can be washed down. It is best not to add
additional feed below hanging feeders. Do not put
out more than one day supply of food. (Time and
experience will help you establish the correct
amount.)
Attracted
Species:
Sparrows, doves, quail, towhees, flickers,
thrashers, juncos, cardinals
Platform feeders are easy to maintain and attract a
wide variety of species. Long, narrow platforms
encourage birds to feed from the edge, limiting
contamination of the station. A wide variety of
seed, nuts, fruit, and egg shells can be used on a
platform feeder.
Keep the platform
clean and put out only a 1 or 2 day supply of food
at a time. Some platform feeders have a second,
often wire mesh platform below for catching hulls
and uneaten seed.
Attracted
Species:
Sparrows, finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches,
blackbirds, wrens, cardinals, jays, woodpeckers,
tanagers, orioles, cardinals
 Hopper
feeders can also attract a wide variety of birds.
Hopper feeders are a snap to fill and the easy
perching attracts ground feeders as well as many
other species. A variety of seed can be dispensed
in a hopper feeder which can hold several days to a
couple of weeks supply of food.
Watch for mold
growing in feed that has been in a hopper feeder
for an extended period. Clean hopper feeders on a
regular basis.
There are many
different styles of hopper feeders. The one shown
is typical but far from the only design.
Attracted
Species:
Sparrows, finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches,
blackbirds, cardinals, jays, grosbeaks, buntings,
cardinals
 Tube
feeders are long cylinders with multiple perches
and feeding ports. They provide several days supply
of food and are usually easy to fill. Tube feeders
usually attract finches, titmice, chickadees and
pine siskins so it is best to select food suited
for these species. The chart on the
"FEED"
page can
help you with the selection.
The tube feeder
shown has a wire guard which allows smaller birds
to pass through while preventing squirrels and
larger, more aggressive birds from reaching the
feed.
Attracted
species:
Finches, titmice, chickadees, woodpeckers and pine
siskins
Dome feeders are large globes that are somewhat
selective in the birds they attract. They are not
as attractive to house sparrows and house finches
which can be a plus if these species tend to
overrun your other feeders.
Attracted
species:
Chickadees, titmice, goldfinches and
nuthatches
 Suet
can be fed in several ways but a simple wire cage
is easy to use and inexpensive to purchase. Suet
cakes are readily available and fit into what has
become almost a standard sized holder.
The suit feeder on
the left, manufactured by Looker Products, has a
wire cage for the suet cake and a "tail prop"
extension to accommodate woodpeckers.
Attracted
species:
Woodpeckers,
chickadees, creepers, jays, nuthatches, wrens,
bluebirds, mockingbirds
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Nectar feeders are popular in areas with orioles
and tanagers. Nectar mixes for orioles are
available for easy mixing.
Attracted
species:
Orioles and tanagers
 Hummingbird
feeders are available in many different styles.
Select one that is easy to clean and fill. A simple
mixture of sugar and water is all that is required;
red food coloring is not recommended. The "FEED"
page has the simple formula for making your own
sugar water.
Attracted
species:
Hummingbirds
Oranges, grape fruit, apples and raisins are all
popular with the fruit eaters. Split oranges and
grapefruit in half and hang on the side of a tree.
Apples can be chopped up or placed in specially
designed holders. Raisins can be chopped up and
softened in water before feeding. Some feeders find
that a serving of grape jelly is welcomed by
certain species.
Attracted
species:
Orioles, tanagers, woodpeckers, thrashers,
bluebirds, mockingbirds
When
Squirrels Attack
If
squirrels are in your area, they will eventually
find their way to your feeder. If you know they are
in the area it is usually best to start your
feeding with squirrel protection in
mind.
If your feeder is
mounted on a pole, you can place a squirrel guard
on the pole to prevent squirrels from climbing the
pole.
Try to place pole
mounted feeders far enough away from tree limbs
that the squirrels will not be able to jump
directly to the feeder.
There are squirrel
guards that can be placed above hanging feeders to
prevent squirrels from moving in from the top.
There is also a multitude of feeders that are
designed to be "squirrel-proof." Some close when a
relatively heavy squirrel lands on top of the
feeder and others use a screen mesh to prevent the
squirrels from having access to the
feeder
Feeder
Care
Keeping
your feeders clean will help prevent the spread of
avian diseases between birds. Keep the
followingtips in mind when adding food or cleaning
your feeders.
1. When refilling
hopper feeders, tube feeders etc. make sure any
remaining seed is free of mold or mildew. The seed
should also be loose in the container, not
compacted, so it can flow easily to the feeding
areas.
2. Remove old seed
or other feed from platform feeders on a regular
basis. Try to limit platform feeders to a one day
supply.
3. If mold or
mildew becomes apparent or the feeders are becoming
dirty or soiled they should be thoroughly cleaned
and dried before refilling. Feeders can be soaked
in a water/bleach solution (one part bleach to 9
parts water) and then scrubbed well. Dry the
feeders well before refilling.
4. It is good
practice to wash your hands after putting out seed
and cleaning feeders.
5. Rake the area
below fixed feeders on a regular basis. you may
need to add mulch, bark chips, etc. under the
feeders and keep the area raked to keep it
clean.
Water -
the Magic Attractant
In many
areas the one element that you can add to your
backyard to attract more birds is fresh water. Bird
baths can be purchased from a variety of sources or
you can make your own. Even small aluminum pie pans
or some frozen dinner plates (designed to handle
hot and cold) can work well in providing fresh
water.
Adding a source of
dripping water or a "mister" seems to attract even
more birds. You can make your own dripper fairly
easily by punching a small hole (thumb tack size)
in a can or other container.
As with feeders,
keep the bird bath clean and filled with fresh
water.
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