How Does a Bird Feeder Work?
- Bird watching has become one of the most loved hobbies in America today. The National Audubon Society focuses on birds and their habitats. Millions of people are involved in preserving and restoring bird populations in America. These people come from all walks of life and most of them began their love of birds in their own back yards. Many, as children started experimenting with bird feeders to attract their feathered friends. As they soon found out, birds, like people have their own preferences.
- There are many types of bird feeders available today and some people still prefer to make their own. The most common type used now is a tube type feeder with small holes in the tube that a bird can stick his beak in and get to the seed. They have rings or shelves around them for the birds to stand on while feeding. This type of feeder was invented to keep squirrels from eating all the bird seed that they could obtain from the traditional feeders. They are made from plastic, mesh and metal. There are also covered shelf feeders. These can be placed anywhere but they can be suction cupped to your window so you can see them close up. They come with a one way mirrored finish on the outside so the bird sees himself and not you watching him. Then there are the traditional feeders that look like tiny houses. This type comes open or with plastic walls that hold the feed and don't let the squirrels steal it. The most unique feeder is the actual feed itself. It is formed into a shape and held together with a suet or oil. They come with a natural hanger and even come in Christmas gift baskets.
- Each type of bird has it's own favorite type of food. Woodpeckers for instance, love peanuts and you can buy a woodpecker feed that includes peanuts. Hummingbirds enjoy nectar and Bluebirds prefer insects. There is a canned meal worm mixture that all insect loving birds will come back for. This mixture is also good for mothers birds to feed to their offspring. A really strange thing is that many birds like hot peppers. You can buy seeds, nuggets and suet balls made with hot peppers for your feeders. Songbirds prefer black oil sunflower seeds that can be purchased by the pound. Millet, sunflower hearts and cracked corn is a popular mixture among many birds and non of the mixture is wasted. Most seed is packaged in plastic sacks and is purchased by weight. The seed should be stored in a dry, cool and dark location until use. You can use a plastic leftover type storage bowl or purchase a special bird feed storage container.