The Best Birdfeeder Options for Your Backyard Amy Smith, December 28, 2023December 28, 2023 The Best Birdfeeder Options for Your Backyard If you’re like me, you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful wildlife. One of the best ways to enjoy nature is by having a bird feeder in your backyard. There are many different types of birdfeeders available on the market, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of birdfeeders available and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your needs. Image Source: Freepik What is a birdfeeder and what do they do? A birdfeeder is a device designed to attract birds by providing them with food. Birdfeeders come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all typically include a platform or tray for holding bird food, as well as a method for keeping the food dry and protected from the elements. Some birdfeeders also include perches, which allow birds to rest while they eat. Birdfeeders can be hung from tree branches or attached to window ledges, decks, and other structures. Many people enjoy watching birds visit their feeders, and bird feeding can be a great way to attract more wildlife to your backyard. In addition to providing food for birds, birdfeeders can also provide water for birds to drink. Some birdfeeders even have built-in water features, such as a drip tray or small fountain. The different types of birdfeeders available Birdfeeding is a popular activity among backyard bird enthusiasts. Not only does it provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of local birds, but it can also help to attract rare or shy species. While there are many different types of bird feeders available, the most common include hopper, tube, and platform feeders. Hopper feeders typically have a large reservoir for seed and a sloped feeding tray, which makes them ideal for attracting a variety of birds. Tube feeders are long and thin, making them perfect for clinging birds such as woodpeckers and nuthatches. Platform feeders, on the other hand, offer a wide surface area that is ideal for ground-dwelling birds such as juncos and siskins. Additionally, you can also opt for a standing bird feeder if you’re looking to add a more modern touch to your garden while still offering a wide surface area akin to that of platform feeders. How to choose the best birdfeeder for your needs With so many different birdfeeders on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. The first thing to consider is the type of bird you want to attract. Different birds have different feeding habits, so you’ll need to choose a feeder that accommodates those habits. For example, if you want to attract finches, you’ll need a feeder with small holes that dispense a small amount of seed at a time. If you’re more interested in attracting larger birds like cardinals, look for a feeder with a tray or basin that can accommodate their larger bills. You’ll also want to think about where you’ll be hanging the feeder. If you live in an area with a lot of tree covers, a hanging feeder is a good option. If you have an open backyard, however, a platform feeder might be a better choice. And finally, be sure to consider the size of your backyard and how many birds you want to attract. If you have a small yard, a simple tube feeder might be all you need. But if you have a larger yard and want to attract a lot of birds, you might need multiple feeders or a larger capacity feeder. Tips for maintaining your birdfeeder If you’re one of the many people who enjoy watching birds visit your backyard, you may have considered setting up a bird feeder. Bird feeders can be a great way to attract new feathered friends to your yard, but they also require a bit of maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Here are a few tips to help you keep your birdfeeder in top condition: – Inspect your birdfeeder regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or holes, be sure to repair them promptly. – Keep your birdfeeder clean by washing it with soap and water on a semi-regular basis. This will help prevent the spread of disease among birds. – Make sure to refill your birdfeeder regularly, especially during the winter months when food is scarce. – If you live in an area with a lot of predators, consider hanging your birdfeeder from a pole or other structure that will make it more difficult for them to reach. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your birdfeeder is a safe and welcoming place for birds. Fun facts about birds and their behavior Did you know that a group of crows is called a murder? Or that owls can turn their heads 270 degrees? Birds are fascinating creatures, and there are all sorts of interesting facts about them. For example, did you know that hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward? Or that some birds can actually swim? And did you know that the largest bird in the world is the ostrich, which can weigh up to 350 pounds? Birds are truly amazing creatures, and there’s always something new to learn about them. So next time you see a bird, take a moment to appreciate all the incredible things they can do. Do you have a bird feeder in your backyard? What type of birds do you usually see visiting it? Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave For the Home backyard birdsbird feeding habitsbluebirdscardinalsdifferent types of bird feedersfeederfinchesfun facts about birdshow to choose a bird feederhow to maintain a bird feederplatform feederstube feederswoodpeckers