Wild Bird Feeders Selection GuideWild birds diving in and out of your backyard for a snack is somehow a
calming, mesmerizing sight to behold. Wild bird feeders come in an
amazing array of styles, materials, and size, each with the purpose of
either attracting a specific type of bird, or attracting your gaze as a
slick backyard accessory.
When you think of wild bird
feeders, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of a classic
tube bird feeder. These long cylindrical feeders are generally used to
attract small woodland birds such as woodpeckers, titmice, finches, and
chickadees. A quality tube bird feeder will have a few small perches
on it, small enough to attract the aforementioned birds, and keep
larger birds such as cardinals and bluejays at bay. The holes in a
tube feeder are big enough for a sunflower seed to fit through, and
many are made with a durable uv resistant plastic so the seed keeps
longer.
There are also very popular tray bird feeders, and many
feature unique designs and more of an artist's touch. Some are
designed with a more practical mind, with wire cages built inside a
plastic cylinder to keep squirrels and other nuisances out, like the
Squirrel Buster. Wild bird feeders have been styled to resemble
lanterns and gazebos, and even sunflowers. Our selection of wild bird
feeders is sure to have something to fit your personality!
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Here are a few more tips to consider when choosing the right hummingbird feeder:- Bright colors are very important, with reds, oranges, pinks, or
corals being the colors of choice. Stay away from yellow feeders, as
they will attract bees.
- Try to find a feeder with an ant moat that will keep out pesky ants.
- Try to get a feeder with a perch. Flapping your wings thousands of
times per second gets old, fast. Hummingbirds would love to take a
break from flying while eating. Think about it. Would you want to
tread water while eating? Heck no!
- Place your feeder in an area
that's open and visible. You'll get a lot more enjoyment out of your
feeder by watching them eat. Did we mention the territorial battles
that take place between hummingbirds? Those are pretty fun to watch,
too!
- Try to keep your feeder away from windows. We don't want
the little guys accidentally crashing into windows, which is bound to
happen with improper placement.
Hummingbird
feeders are specifically designed to dispense liquid (nectar), not
seeds, and to make the nectar easy to reach for the bird without
drawing in unwanted insects. Plastic hummingbird feeders are low cost,
require no assembly, and are both easy to clean and very durable.
However, if you're looking for more traditional or elegant aesthetics,
a plastic feeder may not be right for you. Wood and glass hummingbird
feeders are more visually appealing, with the latter typically coming
in an assortment of custom shapes, sizes, and colors. Glass and
plastic feeders are the easiest to clean, and yes, you MUST clean
them! Glass and plastic construction are the best options here. Glass
is the "cleanest and greenest", as it doesn't contain chemicals that
could leach into the nectar over the course of time. However, high
quality plastics will be able to endure the rigors of the summer sun
and dishwasher. Remember, you get what you pay for!
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