How to Choose the Right Bird Feeder
Use a tube feeder for mixed type of food that can include: black oil sunflower seeds, milo (sorghum) seed, and millet., Consider window mount feeders for mixed seed and/or black oil sunflower seeds. , Choose mesh socks and small wire tube feeders...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Use a tube feeder for mixed type of food that can include: black oil sunflower seeds
Some tube feeders can also hold nyjer (thistle) seed.
Different shaped feeders such as houses and balls (or hot air-balloons) are also great for mixed seed. -
Step 2: milo (sorghum) seed
, The mesh socks only work for goldfinches (and other small birds).
The small wire thistle feeder is sturdier and can hold bigger birds. ,,, These are great because they can dispense just about any type of feed. ,, You'll also find many other birds enjoy suet too., All you have to do is put a few short dowels into a board and stick the oranges onto the dowels. , Simple suet feeders can be made at home.
Be sure to choose a place that squirrels cannot get to though. , Look at what they eat.
Decide if you want to attract a certain type or types and match the feeder to the type of food it can hold and the relevant birds.
Also buy the seed that they will eat to attract the birds to your yard. , Ones that come with squirrel deterrents are a good choice if there are squirrels in your area.
Any feeder used long-term should have a heavy base, to prevent swaying in the wind which would make it difficult for birds to eat. , At the store, examine it yourself.
The holes for birds to eat seeds out of should not be too big so that seed can fall out, or too small so that birds can remove the seeds from the feeder.
Make sure you have a way to hang it before you buy it. , Be sure to bird-proof the window from birds so that they do not fly into it.
A lightweight trellis works well, as do stickers.
If a bird is startled when feeding, it may fly in any direction that looks like an escape route.
Birds do not see windows, but the reflection in them.
This reflection will look exactly like your yard, thus you must always bird-proof your windows. , (For example: 1cup white sugar + 4 cups water.) , Measure after. ,,, -
Step 3: and millet.
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Step 4: Consider window mount feeders for mixed seed and/or black oil sunflower seeds.
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Step 5: Choose mesh socks and small wire tube feeders for Nyjer (thistle) seed.
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Step 6: Look for unshelled peanut tube feeders which have large holes and are only meant for unshelled peanuts.
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Step 7: Get a wire shelled peanut and black oil sunflower feeders for shelled peanuts.
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Step 8: Use tray/platform feeders.
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Step 9: Get a hummingbird/nectar feeder specifically for attracting hummingbirds and orioles.
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Step 10: Use suet cage feeders for attracting woodpeckers.
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Step 11: Use orange halve feeders for attracting orioles and other birds who eat sweet liquids.
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Step 12: Hang suet balls or pine cones filled with suet from a branch
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Step 13: Look at a bird guide (or check the list below) to find which birds are in your area.
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Step 14: Look online for stores that sell quality feeders.
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Step 15: Find a store that sells your chosen feeder
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Step 16: then take a field trip.
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Step 17: Hang the feeder in a place where it can be seen from a window.
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Step 18: Use 1 part sugar to 4 parts water mixture.
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Step 19: Boil the water.
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Step 20: Add the sugar while hot and stir until all the granules are dissolved.
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Step 21: Allow mixture to cool to room temperature before filling clean feeders.
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Step 22: Refrigerate any leftover solution.
Detailed Guide
Some tube feeders can also hold nyjer (thistle) seed.
Different shaped feeders such as houses and balls (or hot air-balloons) are also great for mixed seed.
, The mesh socks only work for goldfinches (and other small birds).
The small wire thistle feeder is sturdier and can hold bigger birds. ,,, These are great because they can dispense just about any type of feed. ,, You'll also find many other birds enjoy suet too., All you have to do is put a few short dowels into a board and stick the oranges onto the dowels. , Simple suet feeders can be made at home.
Be sure to choose a place that squirrels cannot get to though. , Look at what they eat.
Decide if you want to attract a certain type or types and match the feeder to the type of food it can hold and the relevant birds.
Also buy the seed that they will eat to attract the birds to your yard. , Ones that come with squirrel deterrents are a good choice if there are squirrels in your area.
Any feeder used long-term should have a heavy base, to prevent swaying in the wind which would make it difficult for birds to eat. , At the store, examine it yourself.
The holes for birds to eat seeds out of should not be too big so that seed can fall out, or too small so that birds can remove the seeds from the feeder.
Make sure you have a way to hang it before you buy it. , Be sure to bird-proof the window from birds so that they do not fly into it.
A lightweight trellis works well, as do stickers.
If a bird is startled when feeding, it may fly in any direction that looks like an escape route.
Birds do not see windows, but the reflection in them.
This reflection will look exactly like your yard, thus you must always bird-proof your windows. , (For example: 1cup white sugar + 4 cups water.) , Measure after. ,,,
About the Author
Stephen Gonzales
Committed to making organization accessible and understandable for everyone.
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