Wild birds require different foods, as well as various feeder options that cater to these requirements. Take into consideration your available food supply, aesthetic preferences and predator prevention concerns when making this decision.
Most people start off their feeding journey by providing seed mixes. “No-mess” varieties may help minimize debris under their feeder. Suet feeders with caged designs to exclude larger animals are another popular choice.
Contents
Seed
There is a wide selection of seed feeding wild bird feeders designed to attract small birds. Most have transparent bottoms so birders can easily identify when it is time for refill, with small openings and perches for birds to access their food source. Made from heavy-duty plastic or metal for maximum durability and easily removable for cleaning/filling/maintenance – they can be purchased in wild bird stores and home garden centers.
Sunflower seed, safflower and nyjer seeds are popular choices to attract small birds, as they contain high concentrations of protein and fat for energy sources. If possible, try finding “no-mess” mixes that have been de-hulled to avoid making too much mess at your feeder. A suet feeder provides additional sources of protein during winter. Nectar feeders attract hummingbirds by offering sugar water (4 parts water to 1 part sugar); only use small amounts of red coloring in these solutions as too much can spread dangerous fungal disease lethal for these delicate birds.
Fruit
Some specialty feeders provide small birds with an assortment of foods. Baltimore Orioles in particular love eating orange slices or fruit cocktails impaled on spikes, while tray and hopper feeders can offer niger seeds that attract goldfinches; these seeds, however, have proven invasive; suppliers now prefer offering daisy-like wildflower known as nyjer which has been heat sterilized during importation to minimize its spread.
Tube feeders are another great choice for small birds, hanging from hooks or tree branches and typically used to provide sunflower-seed seeds for sparrows, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatchs, house finches and tufted titmices. You might also attract Baltimore Orioles or hummingbirds! Look for ones equipped with metal feeding ports which deter squirrels from chewing; caged feeders as well as various deterrent devices (netting, plastic owls etc) are all options that might help attract these lovely birds! Avoid feeding bread as this quickly spoils and could harm songbirds’ health!
Suet
Suet feeders provide wintertime treat for woodpeckers, nuthatches and other small songbirds alike. Furthermore, these feeders can come in handy during times of low food availability such as deep freeze or heavy snowstorm.
Most suets are comprised of raw beef fat, providing birds with protein and energy during cold months. While seed mixes often lack essential nutrition in terms of energy to stay warm, suet provides essential dietary benefits in an easily digestible format that’s better suited to bird digestion.
Suet comes in various forms – from spreadable butter-like substances that can be spread onto trees or branches to cakes and plugs designed to fit specialized feeders. When selecting your suet food, ensure the fat has a high melting point – vegetable oils, subcutaneous animal fats, bacon drippings or any other low melting point food products can be harmful if they come into contact with birds’ feathers and become lodged within.
Water
Feeders equipped with drinking ports allow birds to quickly take a quick drink, often featuring baffles to prevent squirrels from raiding the feed. Bird drinkers come in various shapes and sizes – some even being designed specifically to attach directly to feeder poles!
Nectar feeders attract hummingbirds and orioles with sweet sugar water treats, drawing them in for sweet drinks of nectar. These specialty wild bird feeders typically feature multiple feeding ports as well as bee or insect guards to safeguard its contents against unwanted visitors.
Just as with seed feeders, bird baths must be located away from trees or structures where predators could hide. Furthermore, all feeders should be at least 12 feet from brush piles or evergreens so birds can fly safely if they get too close. Finally, ensure the food is stored in an opaque container that deters squirrels; you may also wish to add predator deterrents such as chicken wire or thorny bushes around the base of each feeder as an additional measure against potential threats.
