Wild bird feeders, bird watching products and fluorescent grow lights for indoor gardening or seed starting can help you attract more wild birds to your yard. We also have a Gift Shop with ideas for young and old alike.

Give birds time to discover and begin feeding from newly installed bird feeders. Unless they are already very accustomed to using bird feeders in your area, they will take their time trying a new one. Many birds quickly grab a seed and fly off without giving you much a chance to see them. Typically, within a week's time, your feeders should be feeding some very happy birds.

Our bird feeders come in many different styles. Some are designed for specific feeding styles for specific wild birds. The feeders come in a range of different sizes from small enough to work on a balcony for a slower pace of bird traffic to large hoppers which can hold several pounds of seeds.

How to Choose Bird Feeders
by Shape and Style

PLATFORM BIRD FEEDERS can be used to feed the largest variety of birds with the largest variety of food. They are frequently used as ground feeders but can be hung, post mounted, pole mounted or attached to windows.

Cardinals love these tray bird feeders! I think every bird that visits backyard feeders will use these feeders except hummingbirds. Depending on what food is in the feeder that would include all finches, sparrows, buntings, grosbeaks, towhees, bluebirds, jays, juncos, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, orioles, mockingbirds, wrens, robins, thrashers, doves, crossbills, blackbirds, cowbirds and pyrrhuloxias. You may not want all these birds so it is good to monitor your feeders and to choose seeds that will attract the species you wish to attract.

The advantages to platform bird feeders:

• All "feeder birds" can use these feeders - no special perching or clinging needed.
• Very easy to clean, less procrastination is always good.
• Nervous birds, such as cardinals, choose feeders that don't obstruct their view.

HOPPER BIRD FEEDERS probably have the most variety of styles, shapes and sizes. We have large metal hoppers, decorative metal and acrylic feeders, totally clear polycarbonate bins and baffle combinations and clear globes. We also have metal mesh seed hoppers.

These popular bird feeders can offer a wide variety of food choices including all sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, peanut pieces and mealworms and most backyard birds that use feeders visit hopper bird feeders. These feeders accommodate cardinals, chickadees, titmice, house finches, doves, bluebirds, wrens, sparrows, jays, nuthatches, buntings and the rarer mockingbirds, grosbeaks, robins, towhees, juncos, blackbirds, crossbills, pine siskins and pyrrhuloxias.

Some hopper feeders come with perching bars at the feeding stations but some have little platforms. Cardinals have happily used our hopper feeders even though they might prefer larger platform feeders.

The advantages to hopper bird feeders:

• You can choose the capacity - how often you wish to refill.
• You can monitor seed levels from a distance.
• Hopper bins offer more protection to the seeds for lasting quality.

TUBE BIRD FEEDERS attract perching birds such as house finches, American goldfinches, lesser goldfinches, pine siskins, all chickadees, all titmice and more. We've had cardinals use these feeders also.

These tube bird feeders are usually filled with either sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, peanut pieces or thistle (niger or nyjer) seeds or a combination of the above.

(When filled with thistle, these feeders are often called finch feeders. The nyjer seeds are prized by all goldfinches! These seeds are tiny and the feeding ports on a finch feeder are small slits in the polycarbonate tubes.)

Most tube bird feeders are constructed of UV protected polycarbonate. Metal feeding ports, perches, caps and bases will last longer than plastic. You can find tube bird feeders enclosed in squirrel-proof cages. These keep most squirrels away from the precious seeds.

**Add a tray at the bottom and you can also attract birds which like to stand on platforms such as cardinals. (The picture above depicts a cardinal using a tube feeder with a tray.)

The advantages to tube bird feeders:

• Many birds like the "assigned seating" principle rather than feeder chaos.
• You can monitor seed levels from a distance.
• Seed tubes offer more protection to the seeds for lasting quality.
• Brushes and seed scoops (brushes and seed scoops) - easy to clean and fill.

WINDOW BIRD FEEDERS use suction cups to attach to windows. They bring birds so close that you can almost count their feathers. This magical opportunity sets the stage for great photos. The view will entertain young and old and everyone in between.

These bird feeders work great for all seeds, nuts, bluebird pellets and mealworms too. You will likely get chickadees, titmice, finches and cardinals to these feeders.

There may be a "breaking in" period with these feeders, as with many new feeders. Birds hesitate to use something they haven't used before and there is the reflection issue from the window. Give the birds some time to accept these feeders because once they are comfortable you will enjoy every minute. A family of Painted Buntings used our feeder at our computer station for the entire season.

How do you make the suction cups stick to the windows? Folks will argue about whether or not you should clean the window first. We've tried it both ways and it has worked but you can try it both ways to find your best solution. The real trick seems to be in oiling the dry cups. You can use a fingertip of cooking oil applied to the center of the cups. Don't smear it all the way to the edges but cover the center of the cups. Press the feeder gently against the window until the cups flatten some. Drag the feeder downward until the cups really grip.

The advantages to window bird feeders:

• The rare enjoyment of watching a bird up close - young and old enjoy.
• Photographic and video possibilities for everyone.
• A little companionship to anyone with limited mobility.
• You can easily monitor seed levels.

DECORATIVE BIRD FEEDERS We have expanded our decorative bird feeders because the demand has grown over the years. These are all fully functional and from the best manufacturers available. They make excellent gifts with a purpose all year. Each decorative bird feeders has a description which will allow you to choose the correct seeds.

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS We have arranged our hummingbird feeders by capacity. The prices vary considerably so look around before purchasing. Some attach to your window so you can get a very close look at these magnificent hummingbirds. Most of the feeders hang from attached wires but some attach to porches. As long as they are filled with a 4 to 1 ratio (for instance, 1 cup water to 1/4 cup sugar) they will attract the hummingbirds in your area.

BLUEBIRDS - MEALWORM FEEDERS Bluebirds will discover mealworm bird feeders and become regular visitors. Buy smaller worms. The largest "pet feeding" ones are too big and will intimidate the bluebirds. Whether you use the enclosed feeders or the open bowls, you will enjoy watching nesting bluebirds bringing food to the nestlings. Don't forget to have water available in a bird bath or shallow bowl. The family may visit together!

CLINGING BIRD FEEDERS

Some bird watchers really love the little birds such as chickadees and titmice. These birds like to grab and fly. Small clinging bird feeders are perfect for such feeding styles. Clinging feeders may be globe feeders or seed socks. Seed socks usually hold thistle seeds (nyjer seeds) for finches.

BOWL OR DISH BIRD FEEDERS

These bird feeders serve multiple purposes. They can offer all seeds, nuts, corn, mealworms, bread and fruit. They can provide a platform feeding presentation. Most backyard feeding birds will use these feeders.

How to Choose Bird Feeders
Designed for Specific Foods

SUET BIRD FEEDERS are usually manufactured to accommodate pre-packaged suet cakes and blocks. These suet products can be plain or they can have ingredients mixed in to enhance their appeal to wild birds. Berries, insects, peanuts, peppers, egg shells and other added ingredients can help you attract more wild birds to your feeding stations.

Suet bird feeders could help you attract the following wild birds: Woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens, chickadees, titmice, jays, bluebirds, grosbeaks, warblers, tanagers, sparrows, roadrunners, juncos, towhees, kinglets, thrashers, mockingbirds, buntings, red polls and kinglets.

PEANUT BIRD FEEDERS are often called mesh feeders or caged feeders. They hold shelled peanuts and peanut pieces. Some of these feeders will accommodate sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and cracked corn too. These feeders can be crafted of metal tubes with holes punched out.

Woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, jays, nuthatches, finches, towhees and wrens enjoy visiting these peanut bird feeders.

MEALWORM BIRD FEEDERS attract bluebirds better than any other bird feeders. Mealworms can be purchased and preserved in the refrigerator until needed. Bluebirds can be taught to use the enclosed feeders. (See instructions on the mealworm bird feeders page.) This preserves the precious mealworms for the equally precious bluebirds. In other words, other bigger birds won't devour the mealworms before the bluebirds get to them. You can always offer mealworms in other feeders too.

Many birds will eat mealworms including bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, finches, tanagers, flycatchers, robins, warblers, woodpeckers and mockingbirds.

THISTLE TUBE BIRD FEEDERS FOR FINCHES actually hold nyjer seeds. Anyone who has ever fed goldfinches can testify to the effectiveness of these feeders for attracting the beautiful yellow and black birds. American goldfinches, Lesser Goldfinches, House Finches and Pine Siskins will readily use these tube feeders. You want to serve fresh nyjer seeds so we wouldn't recommend buying a years worth of seed at one time. Use a reliable store and educate them about keeping fresh seeds on hand.

FRUIT BIRD FEEDERS are another way to add variety to your bird feeding station. You can attract more birds when you offer more than seeds. Orange halves are very popular with orioles (and grape jelly) but many other birds will enjoy some fruit also. I've even seen cardinals nibbling at the fruit. Mockingbirds and robins may visit these feeders so keep watching! An added benefit of fruit feeders is that they often attract butterflies.

SUGAR WATER FEEDERS FOR HUMMINGBIRDS are an excellent way to attract hummingbirds if your flowers aren't doing the trick and if you wish to supplement the food supply for these incredible birds. Keeping these feeders clean and full of fresh sugar water is a joy when you see the eager hummingbirds vying for positions. If you have aggressive birds, need to know how to mix the correct ratio of sugar to water or if you have more questions about hummingbirds, please visit our hummingbirds section before leaving us today.

Cleaning and Protecting

Why Clean Bird Feeders - doesn't the rain take care of this?

Some bird feeders make it easier to spread avian diseases than others. This would be the most important reason for regular cleaning. If birds have to push their heads up against feeding ports, for example, this could spread eye infections.

Forceful rain can cause moisture to enter feeders that normally wouldn't have a problem with dampness spoiling seeds. Spoiled seeds will discourage wild birds from using your feeding stations and cause a harmful build up of mold.

In some circumstances birds may contaminate the seeds with droppings. Goldfinches are notorious for this so don't use open tray feeders for finch feeding and don't place a tube finch feeder above anything of importance to you!

Cleaning Solutions

A diluted mixture of water and a few drops of bleach, or a few drops of dish detergent or diluted vinegar and some good brushes will clean most feeders. Vinegar will work just fine if you don't wish to use a strong chemical.

The Importance of Rinsing

Rinse at least three times longer than you think you need to. You do not want to injure the birds from residual soap, bleach or even vinegar. Rinse, rinse, rinse.

Keeping Clean Under and Around Bird Feeders

What's good for the sparrows may be good for the rats and snakes too. No need to ask for trouble if you live in the country or near a park. A few seeds spilled by a careless cardinal will not present a problem but if you have certain birds, overly enthusiastic doves or feisty blue jays for example, your birds may be spilling a lot of seeds under the feeders. This can be the cause of an unhealthy and moldy clump of seeds but it also may attract unwanted creatures.

You should evaluate whether this feeder is working for your particular birds or whether or not you should just scoop up the spilled seeds periodically. If you watch a blue jay rake every single seed out of your feeder tray, it is time for a feeder with a lip around the bottom. Nothing else will stop this bird from continuing to do this. Another alternative is choosing a feeder that forces birds to pluck seeds individually. (Example of this style bird feeder)

If you use tube bird feeders, a seed scoop can be a handy tool for filling the seed tubes without spilling.

Storage

If you store hummingbird feeders during any off-season

Simply clean them and store them where they won't deteriorate.

Collapsible bird feeders for storage or travel

The need for Collapsible Bird Feeders has finally been recognized and these feeders make storage or travel so easy. They come in all sizes and store flat so they don't take up much room in the RV or the garage.

Avoiding Squirrels and the Damage They Do

Bird Feeder Squirrel Baffles

Baffles can keep squirrels off your bird feeders IF they are used properly. The first requirement, they work if hung directly above feeders, on the same hanging wire or chain, or when positioned directly below feeders on a pole or post out of reach of the vertical jump of the squirrel. The second requirement is very important. Squirrels can jump across long distances also. A feeder and baffle must be placed far enough from any lateral jumping opportunity (fences, cars, tree branches and shrubs, patio furniture, BBQ cooker, porch rail, mailbox, awning, vertical terrain, greenhouse, swing set, play equipment, pool slide, garden shed, flag pole, air conditioning unit, steps, brush pile, etc.) or any structures above the feeder that could offer a jumping off point. In other words, a solitary branch or similar location.

Caged Bird Feeders

Since it isn't always easy to find a location that will work with a squirrel baffle, you may wish to try Caged Bird Feeders as an alternative. These force a squirrel to reach with fingers, if they can reach, to grab individual seeds. They can just gobble seeds directly. Chances are, they will go to the neighbor's feeders instead. Chewed feeding ports will no longer damage your feeders.

Squirrel-resistant Bird Feeders

There are Other Squirrel-resistant Bird Feeders that use various methods to keep squirrels from damaging your bird feeders and stealing your seeds.

Placement

Sun and Rain - and Hawks and Feral Cats

Whenever possible, most materials will hold up better if not exposed to sun rays 365 days of the year. Moisture will weather wood quicker than metal and plastic so consider your annual rainfall measurements. Hungry hawks will be most appreciative if you place your feeders right out in the open too. If you choose to place your bird feeders under a tree canopy or in another sheltered location, just be sure that you don't have hiding places for feral cats in that spot.

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