FEEDER TIPS
Bird feeders come in various designs tailored to specific bird species and seed types, with common types including tube, hopper, platform, and suet feeders. Tube feeders attract small songbirds like finches, while hopper feeders protect seeds from weather and attract cardinals. Platform feeders are versatile for larger birds, and suet feeders attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers.
Each type of feeder will specialize in which birds will come to the feeder. Some like Northern Juncos prefer platform or feeding on the ground under the feeder. Chickadees and nuthatches prefer hopper or tube feeders but will visit platforms. Woodpeckers prefer hanging suet feeders as their feet prefer to cling to the feeder rather than perch on it. Much of this will depend on the types of birds that overwinter in your area. But birds will find a way to get the food they need.
And obviously, hummingbird feeders are only out in the summer when hummingbirds are looking for nectar from flowers.
There are nuisance birds and squirrels that will fully eat up a hopper of sunflower seeds or spill most of it onto the ground. One can use baffles to deter squirrels, but they are ingenious about getting around the barriers. The same as with some birds are quite capable of going where you wouldn’t think they would go.
Squirrels and blue jays prefer in the shell peanuts.
Types of Feeders
Tube Feeders: Cylindrical feeders with multiple feeding ports and perches, ideal for small birds like finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.
Hopper Feeders: Often called "house" feeders, these hold a large capacity of seed in a reservoir and dispense it automatically, attracting cardinals, grosbeaks, and sparrows.
Platform/Tray Feeders: Open trays that allow for a wide range of birds, including larger birds like blue jays and ground-feeding birds like doves and juncos.
Suet Feeders: Caged, mesh containers designed to hold suet cakes, attracting woodpeckers, wrens, and nuthatches.
Nyjer (Thistle) Feeders: Specialized tube feeders with very small holes for thistle seed, which is favored by finches.
Window Feeders: Acrylic feeders that attach directly to windows via suction cups for close-up viewing.
Hummingbird/Nectar Feeders: Specialized feeders designed to hold sugar water (nectar) for hummingbirds.
Fruit/Oriole Feeders: Designed with spikes or dishes to hold fruit like orange halves or jelly for orioles.
Squirrel-Proof/Caged Feeders: Feeders surrounded by a wire cage to exclude larger animals and allow small birds to pass through.
