If you're passionate about birdwatching or simply enjoy seeing birds in your backyard, installing the right feeders can transform your outdoor space into a true haven for birds. With a smart setup, you can attract a wide variety of species while keeping away unwanted animals. Here's a guide to choosing the best feeders to suit your needs and take care of your feathered friends.
1. Nut Cylinder Feeder
This metal feeder features a roof that protects the cylinder from harsh weather.
It’s ideal for keeping food dry and shielding it from rain, snow, and strong winds.
The cylinder is packed with a mix of nuts, peanuts, and dried insects (perfect for attracting woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches).
A real treat for many birds, it appeals to a wide range of species, making it perfect for bird lovers.
Tip: Ideal for long absences, since the cylinder lasts a long time without needing frequent refills.
2. Mealworm Dome Feeder
This feeder offers small birds a safe and sheltered feeding space, thanks to its large dome and wide feeding tray.
The tray can hold fruit, mealworms, suet nuggets, or seeds, attracting various birds such as bluebirds, red-winged blackbirds, and many more.
Mealworms, rich in protein, not only draw in common species but also rarer ones like the Eastern Screech Owl.
Bonus: The adjustable design prevents larger birds from feeding, ensuring that smaller birds can enjoy their meal in peace.
3. Pole-Mounted Squirrel Baffle & Tray Feeder
The cone-shaped squirrel baffle for center poles protects your grain tray feeder by shielding it from weather and blocking squirrels. It’s also adjustable to prevent larger birds from feeding, helping ensure a more balanced food supply for smaller species.
By lowering the baffle, you can also exclude certain unwanted birds.
Tip: This baffle is a great solution for rainy or snowy days, keeping food dry while allowing birds to continue feeding.
The large tray feeder also acts as an effective barrier against greedy squirrels. It's ideal for offering in-shell peanuts, which attract birds like woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches.
Hint: Mount it at about 6 feet high to ensure a squirrel-free experience while keeping the birds safe and happy.
4. Cardinal-Only Feeder
The Unique Cardinal Feeder is specially designed to meet the needs of cardinals. This clever model has a perch calibrated to the exact weight of a cardinal, which blocks access to larger or lighter birds like grackles, sparrows, or chickadees.
Use safflower seeds, they love it, and it doesn’t attract squirrels or other unwanted guests.
This feeder is carefully assembled in our store.
This feeder is a top choice for attracting finches, redpolls, and other small birds that love thistle (nyjer) seeds. Built to last, it features metal parts with rust-resistant paint and a UV-stable polycarbonate tube.
It holds up to 1 lb of seeds, making it convenient for regular feeding without constant refills. Plus, it’s compatible with pole mounting using an adapter sold separately in-store, giving you flexibility in your feeder setup.
Bonus: It’s lifetime guaranteed against squirrel damage—peace of mind for any birding enthusiast.
6. Versa BirdsUP Four-Arm Pole System
Perfect for all types of feeders, the Versa BirdsUP pole system is designed to hold up to four bird feeders, letting you organize your feeding station with flexibility and ease. It installs in minutes, with no tools, digging, or cement required.
Each branch supports up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and features rubber bumpers to protect your setup. The arms offer plenty of space to hang a variety of feeders and welcome a wide range of bird species.
Pair this pole with feeders like the nut cylinder, finch feeder, or cardinal feeder to attract a beautiful mix of birds. The system also helps protect your setup from squirrels and other pests.
To maximize success, place your feeders in strategic locations and at appropriate heights to protect birds from predators and ensure consistent feeding.
During the winter months, you can enhance your tray feeders by adding suet, a valuable source of fat and protein.
As temperatures drop, birds use significantly more energy to stay warm. Suet provides the high-calorie fuel they need to survive the cold. By combining suet with seeds and peanuts, you'll attract species like woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches, while offering them crucial support during harsh weather.
Don’t forget to regularly check seed levels and clean your feeders to help prevent the spread of disease.
Happy birdwatching and see you soon for more backyard birding adventures!
