How to choose a bird feeder that's right for you
Think like a bird to attract colorful cardinals, goldfinches, and nuthatches to your yard. Birder's World editors are available to comment.
Published:
March 19, 2009
 A White-breasted Nuthatch clings to a tube feeder filled with peanuts. Woodpeckers, chickadees, cardinals, jays, and titmice also eat the tasty treats.
Photo by Ernie Mastroianni
WAUKESHA, Wis. — There are so many types of bird feeders to choose from. What's the best way to select one for your yard?
First consider the bird species you want to attract: cardinals and goldfinches on seedheads, agile chickadees on twig tips, nuthatches and woodpeckers on tree trunks. Then cater to the abilities of your favorites.
Birder's World magazine editors are available to comment on choosing bird feeders. To request an interview, please contact Matt Quandt at (262) 798-6484 or mquandt@kalmbach.com.
"I have great success using tube feeders that allow birds to feed upside down," says Julie Craves, a Birder's World contributing editor.
Goldfinches, chickadees, and other small birds frequently hang head-down while foraging on sunflowers and other natural seed sources.
Woodpeckers and nuthatches, birds that typically search for food while clinging to tree trunks, are happy to pull seeds and peanut pieces from wire-mesh tubes.
Pretty red cardinals and other birds accustomed to perching on branches do just fine at platform feeders, although these might also attract birds you don't want to feed.
Remember, most bird feeders are designed to appeal to people, not birds. If you remember to think like a bird, you likely will have a successful feeding station.
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