Wild Bird Feeder

_Which Wild Bird Feeder?

The wild bird feeder we choose will determine what birds turn up to feed. A hanging bird feeder is popular with a wide variety of birds. The Tit and Finch family are usually regular visitors.

Bird's that feed on or near the ground will more likely take advantage of any seeds or fat ball crumbs that have fallen to 
the ground below the feeder, although I have seen a Robin in 
our garden feeding from one of the hanging feeders.

The wild bird feeder we choose will attract birds 
as long as they feel secure when feeding from it. 

Placing a bird feeder within a few meters of cover helps them feel safer. They tend to stay a bit longer on Suet cakes or Fat balls as well as peanut feeders, so if possible it's good to have 
a few types of feeders along with a variety of foods.

A Hanging Bird Feeder

Often with a hanging bird feeder small birds such as Coal Tit's will fly in, take a seed, and go to a nearby bush or tree to eat it.

Some feeders are designed with a particular food in mind 
with the view of attracting a specific species of bird.

This is well illustrated with a hanging tube style of feeder designed for finer seeds like nyjer seed. Some ranges are described as a nyjer bird feeder. 

These can be made from plastic with feeding ports that keep 
the seed in but is still accessible to the birds. Finches, especially the Goldfinch have a taste for nyjer seed and will often return to feed at this type of wild bird feeder.

Squirrel resistant metal designs with closely 
spaced small holes are also available.

By initially avoiding expensive purchases and making good use of cheaper versions to help us attract wildlife to our garden, we can then be sure what we buy has a greater chance of success. 

The cheaper wild bird feeder can then be used in the future to test out other spots or be a temporary replacement while giving the other feeders a good clean.

A bird feeder pole can be placed almost anywhere

Many can be supplied with a base so it can be situated on a 
patio or similar setting within view from a downstairs window. 

Often the economy range may be a set design, usually with 
one to three arms. There are ranges with a choice of  hanging brackets which the wild bird feeder chosen can be hung from. 

A platform bird feeder is also very versatile

With or without a roof it can be used in different situations 
in the garden space we have available. 

Most of us would recognize this as the traditional bird table, often put in a permanent position such as near the kitchen or patio window for easy viewing.

Like the bird feeder pole, the free standing version can be placed in different areas of the garden. This has an added benefit in contributing to keeping a feeding area free of harmful bacteria to birds. 

There are also hanging versions of a platform feeder as well as types adapted for ground feeding birds. A home made platform bird feeder may be an option depending on your diy skills.

_When Choosing Wild Bird feeders - Start Simple, Keep it Simple 
and Let Nature Take Its Course Is A Great Tip To Heed.