Styles with perches above the feeding ports are designed for seed-eating birds that can feed hanging upside down, such as goldfinches and chickadees, while dissuading others. Depending on the size of the perches under the feeding ports, you may attract small birds such as sparrows, grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice, and finches while excluding larger species such as grackles and jays. Hollow tubes keep seed fairly clean and dry and, if they have metal feeding ports, may be somewhat squirrel resistant (though squirrels often chew through the end caps or the plastic tube itself). Some models have a roof to provide some protection from the weather.īack to Top Tube Feeders Pine Siskin by Barnmom. Tray feeders can also be mounted on deck railings, posts, or stumps, or can be suspended. Tray feeders placed near the ground are most likely to attract ground-feeding birds such as juncos, doves, jays, blackbirds, and sparrows (along with squirrels, deer, raccoons, and other critters). Unless constructed with an effective squirrel baffle on the pole or suspension chain, tray feeders are an open invitation to squirrels and chipmunks. Offer only enough seed in tray feeders for birds to finish every day or two, and shake out the bottom every time you add new seeds. Even with drainage, the bottom should be removable for fairly frequent hosing. The best tray feeders have a screened, rather than solid, bottom to promote complete drainage at the very least, tray feeders should have several drainage holes. Bird droppings can quickly soil the seed in tray feeders. Tray feeders offer no protection against rain and snow without excellent drainage, seeds may become wet enough to sprout, and wet seeds may also foster fungal and bacterial growth. Trays attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds, including pigeons, starlings, and House Sparrows, but also grosbeaks and native sparrows. Tray or Platform Feeders House Finches at a platform feeder. We also have tips on where to put your bird feeders to help keep birds safe. To cater to nectar-loving birds, see our section on hummingbird feeders. To attract the greatest variety of birds to your yard, provide several different feeder types offering a variety of foods. You’ll find that some species are more likely to use one kind of feeder over another. The ideal bird feeder is sturdy enough to withstand winter weather and squirrels, tight enough to keep seeds dry, easy to assemble and, most important of all, easy to keep clean. Purple Finch by Linda Petersen/Birdshare.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |