Choosing the best bird feeder is not as simple to do as you may think. Certain factors must be considered by the bird feeding enthusiast in order to make an informed choice. The types of birds you wish to attract (small, medium, songbird, ground feeder or perch feeder ), ease of cleaning and filling the seed container, quality, capacity, types of material the feeder is made of (metal or plastic), durability, and most importantly of all the ability to thwart squirrels and larger unwanted birds.
Where you choose to place the feeder in your yard also has a bearing on the types of birds that will be attracted. Ground feeders prefer food sources on or close to the ground while perch feeders will feed from platforms higher up or from feeders hanging from a tree or porch eave.
Bird feeding hobbyists consider squirrels such an enemy that technologies have been developed with the express purpose of deterring their efforts at an easy meal in mind. Perches are now weight sensitive enough to close the feeding ports when a certain set weight is sensed and there are perches that are spring loaded that collapse or fling the unwanted guest off the perch before he or she can attain their prize. Trays that tip under a certain weight are also a weapon in the fight against the foe.
The feeder that frequently offers the most effective squirrel proof technology is the tube feeder. Hobbyists keep ease of cleaning in mind when choosing this type of feeder. Special brushes are also available for to aid in cleaning of the tube feeder.
Mesh bags, synthetic or cotton, are really not much of a temptation for the enemy squirrel. She, or he, has little interest in the kind of seed, thistle, that is commonly put in the bag.
Hoppers are known as the traditional style of feeder. Few have the defensive capabilities necessary to protect their contents against the acrobatic squirrel.
Feeding platforms have had their problems in the past but current developments have equipped them with effective squirrel deterrents. Chicken wire meshes placed over the seed container prevent larger birds and squirrel paws from stealing the seed from intended diners.
The best bird feeders are the ones that are specifically designed for the type of bird you wish to attract to your backyard. Quality and durability are also factors as enthusiasts wish to feed their feathered friends a for a long time to come. Most important of all use the technology available to thwart bird feeding enemy number one, the wily squirrel.
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Tags: garden, Gardening, home and family, wildlife