Birdfeeding 201
BY THE WILD BIRD CENTER , WEATHERFORD , TX
If you ’ re reading this , you probably already know how much fun it can be to feed the birds . But knowing what kind of food to use and where to place it can enhance your bird feeding satisfaction . Not all birds have the same needs , so offering quality seed in a selection of feeding styles will go a long way toward helping you increase the number and variety of bird species visiting your outdoor area .
Seed Suggestions More than any other seed , black oil sunflower will appeal to a wide variety of birds . A high-quality seed mixture will have a high percentage of black oil sunflower seed and can attract an even greater number of birds . Specialty seeds such as Nyjer ,® which caters exclusively to finches , can reduce squabbling and competition at other feeders . Safflower can help to deter squirrels and WoodpeckerWise is a favorite for all your favorite woodpeckers . Stop by the Wild Bird Center and we can help you figure out the perfect seed for your backyard feeding set up .
Platform Feeders A platform feeder , whether placed on the ground or elevated , offers a large enough landing space to accommodate birds of all shapes and sizes . Since just about every seed-eating bird will feed at a platform feeder , a quality seed mixture will work exceptionally well . Platform feeders are also good places to serve millet , whole peanuts , and ( if you want to experiment ) dried fruit . Because large platform feeders are like raised pieces of ground , they are a good place to feed ground feeding birds such as cardinals , juncos , our native sparrows and mourning doves .
Hopper Feeders A hopper feeder has a seed container , or “ hopper ,” typically constructed with two clear sides so that you can monitor seed quantity . Seed dispenses from the bottom of the hopper onto a tray where it is consumed . Many people like this type of feeder because it stores several pounds of seed and requires less filling and maintenance than other feeder styles . Hopper feeders work very well with high-quality seed mixes such as BirdWise , FeederWise , and PatioWise . Depending upon the size of the landing area and the distance between the feeder ’ s floor and roof , a hopper feeder can accommodate birds in a variety of sizes from jays and grosbeaks to chickadees and finches .
Tube Feeders Tube style feeders are ideally suited for attracting smaller birds . The perches on tube-style feeders are difficult for larger birds to use , while smaller birds such as chickadees , nuthatches , finches and siskins feel right at home . Nyjer tube feeders , with specialized feeding ports , are specialized feeders for Nyjer seed and attract goldfinches and other birds in the finch family .
FEBRUARY 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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