Vital Considerations When Buying Bird Feeders

A bird feeder, also called a bird table or a tray feeder, is an outdoor device that supplies food to birds. Bird feeders are used by people who enjoy watching birds. There are many such feeders in the market, but do not go for the first one you come across. Consider the type of food you will be using. This should be determined by the type of birds you want to attract since different birds have different dietary needs. Seed feeders, the most popular feeders, are used for sunflower seeds (the most popular being black oil sunflower seeds) or a mixture of seeds. They are used to attract cardinals, chickadees and finches, among other birds. Most seed feeders are hopper or tube-like and squirrel proof. Hummingbird feeders, as the term suggests, are used to attract humming birds. These feeders have sugar solutions in the place of seeds. The solution is usually red in color to attract the birds. Some have red glass and/or red accents for the same purpose. Petroleum jelly is used to protect the feeders from ants. Oriole feeders, most of which are orange in color, are used to attract New World orioles. The feeders supply artificial nectar. Suet feeders look like metal cages with plastic coating. Inside the cages are block or cake suet. They are used to attract flickers, woodpeckers, nuthatches and other insect eaters. Ground feeding trays are used to attract dunnocks, robins, and blackbirds, soft and live food feeders are used to attract robins, blackbirds and starlings and mesh peanut feeders are used to attract the great spotted woodpecker and tits. Another important consideration is the quality of the bird feeder. Buy from a well-established manufacturer only. Read independent reviews or ask for recommendations to get a good manufacturer. Consider your specific preferences and circumstances. If you want such birds as chaffinch and robin to stay longer, go for feeders with perches. Consider the space available when deciding on the size of the feeder. Consider local regulations with respect to bird feeders before buying. Referenced sites:http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/bird-food-and-feeding/bird-feeders.htmlhttp://www.gardenbird.co.uk/Tables-Feeders/Bird-Feeders,default,sc.htmlhttp://www.birdfood.co.uk/products.php?area_id=2&nav_id=32http://www.vinehousefarm.co.uk/bird-feeders.aspx