Helping The Bird Feeder Enjoy Bird Feeding

species of birds

Bird feeding is an interesting and absorbing hobby. It gives immense pleasure to bird lovers who like to watch the birds eat. Wild bird seed, nuts, bread crumbs and fruits are placed in the bird feeder. Not just any bowl filled with bird food can become a bird feeder. The feeder should allow for all kinds of wild, migratory birds to perch and have a meal. Regularly replenishing the food will ensure a lot of activity at your feeder.

A bird feeder should be designed to accommodate the wild birds that frequent your yard. Hopper feeders, platform feeders, tube feeders, thistle sock feeders, suet bird feeders, nut feeders and honey feeders; these are some of the widely used varieties. Hummingbirds feed from honey feeders and it is common to add red color to attract these jewels of the bird world. Also, feeders should protect the birds from sudden attacks from birds of prey or cats. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the perching of many birds, as squabbling among your avian visitors may go on all at a time.

The bird feeder should be so placed that it is safe for the birds and yet presents you with a pleasant view of your flighty friends enjoying their meals. The feeder should be neither too far nor too near to big trees and bushes. Big trees and bushes can provide shelter to the birds when there is an attack from a bird of prey or neighboring cats. But if your bird feeder is too close to a tree, then it may be ravaged by squirrels living nearby and cats may attempt attacking the birds from behind the trees. Squirrel proof bird feeders are best when a bird feeder is placed near big trees.

Feeding the many species of birds that are indigenous to your area can be a round the year activity, peaking during the winter and ebbing during the summer. The bird feeder should be stocked with wild bird food and it should be replenished often. You never know when a winged guest might arrive. There is a chance of diseases spreading from bird-to-bird or from bird-to-humans; therefore, all of your bird feeders should be cleaned and sanitized regularly.