Tips for Birdwatchers: Advice on Wild Bird Feeders
Joining millions of bird lovers in creating a backyard aviary can be easy and rewarding with a little help choosing and maintaining your wild bird feeders. Begin by imagining your backyard as a birdwatching paradise and picture the desired sights and sounds that will become your goal.
Start by considering the types of birds that you wish to attract, and the ones you do not want to see. If you’re a beginner, asking neighbors or co-workers which types of birds frequent their backyards might prove useful. Understanding that your target is to attract finches or cardinals, for example, will assist you in selecting the optimal wild bird feeders and creating the right birdwatching environment.
Wild bird feeders come in several structural types including tube, thistle, wood, platform, suet and ground varieties. Highly desirable species, such as the hummingbird, even have special types of feeders that have been crafted for them. Knowledge of the pros and cons of each type will bolster success and increase desired results.
Making sure to fill the feeders with the right food the next step after choosing the right feeders. If your goal is to invite and enjoy a wide range of birds, you are likely to choose black oil sunflower seeds. Additionally, consider piling on fruits or nuts in summer to attract those less common migratory visitors. And if there’s a special bird you want to see, such as woodpeckers, be sure to read up on their food of choice: peanuts.
Unless your intention is to spend a fortune on bird food, make sure your wild bird feeders are squirrel (and other animal) proof. Purchasing a squirrel-resistant one or placing your feeders away from landscaping that makes it easy for squirrels to climb or jump up are two ways to keep the fuzzy creatures away from the seed. And as far as food is concerned, thistle seed is recommended by some: apparently squirrels don’t like it very much.
If you’re like most birdwatchers, your desire is to attract a variety of species. Offering an array of feeders rather than one type is a way to enjoy regular backyard visits from a number of birds even throughout the seasonal changes.
If you’ve got one particular hot spot, you may want to set up a bird feeding station with many feeders in the same area. Depending on your yard and its position relative to the sun and shade, you may consider varying the locations of your wild bird feeders, scattering them around your house so that you can enjoy viewing your feathered friends from several windows.
Once you’ve got your yard set up, sit back and enjoy. Remember to have an identification book handy so you can enjoy your success when those exotic or unexpected species begin to arrive!
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