Attention all bird enthusiasts! If you’re looking to attract a variety of feathered friends to your backyard, consider investing in a wooden bird feeder. There are many types available, each catering to different species and feeding styles. Platform feeders are great for ground-feeding birds, while hopper feeders can draw in a variety of bird species. Suet feeders are ideal for insect-eating birds, while tube feeders attract small perching birds. When choosing a wood bird feeder, consider factors such as durability, seed capacity, ease of cleaning and attractiveness. For those looking to attract specific bird species, we recommend the best wood bird feeders for finches and chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches, and cardinals and blue jays. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature in your own backyard with a wooden bird feeder.
Types of wood bird feeders
Platform Feeders
If you’re looking to attract ground-feeding birds such as doves, sparrows, and juncos, then a platform feeder is the perfect choice for you. These feeders come in various shapes and sizes, with some featuring a roof or a mesh bottom to keep the food dry. Platform feeders work best when placed on the ground, but you can also mount them on poles or hang them from trees. Some popular materials used for building platform feeders include cedar and pine because they are durable, weather-resistant, and affordable.
Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders are perhaps the most versatile type of wood bird feeders available. They are designed to hold a variety of seeds and attract a wide range of bird species such as finches, cardinals, and chickadees. Hopper feeders typically have a roof that protects the seed from rain and snow, and the seeds are dispensed through small openings at the bottom. These feeders come in various styles ranging from rustic to modern, and the types of wood used to build them vary widely.
Suet Feeders
If you’re interested in attracting insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and blue jays, then a suet feeder is what you need. Suet feeders are built with wire cages that hold blocks of suet or other high-fat foods like peanut butter to attract these birds. The wire cages allow the birds to cling onto the feeder while they eat, making it an excellent choice for acrobatic birds like woodpeckers. Materials commonly used for building suet feeders include redwood, cypress, and cedar.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are designed to attract small perching birds such as finches, titmice, and sparrows. They are usually cylindrical and made of wood or PVC pipe, with several feeding ports that allow multiple birds to feed at once. Tube feeders often come with a roof or a baffle that keeps the seed dry and prevents squirrels from accessing the food. Popular woods used to build tube feeders include cedar, redwood, and bamboo.
Features to consider when choosing a wood bird feeder
Durability and weather resistance:
One of the most important features to look for in a wood bird feeder is its durability and weather resistance. The feeder should be made from high-quality materials that can withstand outdoor elements such as rain, snow, wind, and heat. Cedar and redwood are two types of wood that are particularly resistant to rotting and decay and are therefore great options for a bird feeder. Additionally, bird feeders with metal components such as roofs and perches tend to be more durable and long-lasting.
Seed capacity and dispensing mechanism:
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a wood bird feeder is its seed capacity and dispensing mechanism. The feeder should be able to hold enough seed to last for several days without needing to be refilled constantly. Additionally, the dispensing mechanism should be designed to prevent wastage and spillage of seeds. A good example of this is a feeder with small openings that only allow birds to access a few seeds at a time. This not only reduces wastage but also helps to prevent the spread of diseases among the birds.
Easy to clean and refill:
A wood bird feeder should also be easy to clean and refill. The feeder should have a removable roof or base that allows for easy access to the inside of the feeder. This makes it easier to clean out any leftover seed or debris and prevents mold and bacteria buildup. Additionally, the feeder should be easy to refill, with a wide opening or removable lid to make the process quick and hassle-free.
Attractiveness and design:
Finally, the attractiveness and design of the wood bird feeder should also be considered. While functionality is important, you should also choose a feeder that complements the overall look and feel of your garden or backyard. There are many different designs available, ranging from simple and rustic to more intricate and decorative styles. Additionally, certain designs may be more attractive to specific bird species, so it’s worth doing some research to find out which type of feeder is best suited to the birds you want to attract.
Best wood bird feeders for attracting specific bird species
A. Best wood bird feeder for attracting finches and chickadees
Finches and chickadees are small, colorful birds that are widespread across North America. These birds are fond of feeding on seeds and love sunflower seeds in particular. A hopper feeder made of cedar or redwood is a great option for attracting finches and chickadees. The hopper design allows you to fill the feeder with plenty of seed, and the roof protects the seed from moisture. A clear plastic window on the side allows for easy monitoring of the seed levels and bird activity.
B. Best wood bird feeder for attracting woodpeckers and nuthatches
Woodpeckers and nuthatches are unique birds that are known for their acrobatic skills. They have sharp beaks and long tongues that allow them to dig into tree bark and extract insects. A suet feeder made of red cedar or pine is a good option for attracting woodpeckers and nuthatches. Suet is a high-energy food made of animal fat and mixed with other ingredients like seeds and fruits. A suet feeder typically has a wire cage that holds the suet cake, and the birds cling to the cage while they feed.
C. Best wood bird feeder for attracting cardinals and blue jays
Cardinals and blue jays are two of the most popular birds that people want to attract to their gardens. Cardinals are known for their bright red plumage, while blue jays have striking blue feathers. Both birds are attracted to sunflower seeds, peanuts, and corn. A platform feeder made of cedar or redwood is a great option for attracting cardinals and blue jays. A platform feeder is simply a flat surface that holds the seed, and it allows for multiple birds to feed at once. The open design also makes it easy to clean and refill the feeder.
In conclusion, wooden bird feeders are a timeless choice for attracting birds to your garden. By choosing the right feeder based on the type of birds you want to attract, you can enjoy the beauty and songs of these feathered friends all year round. So go ahead and set up a wooden bird feeder in your garden today!
FAQ
Q1. What type of wood is best for bird feeders?
When it comes to the best wood for bird feeders, cedar is a popular choice thanks to its natural resistance to decay and insects. Other good options include redwood and cypress, which also have natural rot-resistant properties. Avoid using treated or painted wood, as these may contain harmful chemicals that could harm birds.
Q2. How do I choose the right bird feeder for my yard?
The type of bird feeder you choose will depend on the species of birds you want to attract and the types of food you plan to offer. For example, tube feeders are great for small songbirds like finches, while platform feeders work well for larger birds like cardinals and jays. Hummingbird feeders should be brightly colored and filled with nectar, while suet feeders are perfect for woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds.
Q3. How often should I clean my bird feeders?
It’s important to clean your bird feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease and keep them in good condition. You should aim to clean your feeders at least once a month, or more frequently if they become heavily soiled. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to disinfect the feeder, and rinse thoroughly with clean water before refilling.
Q4. What can I do to prevent squirrels from stealing bird food?
Squirrels can be a nuisance for bird lovers, but there are several ways to deter them from raiding your feeders. One option is to use squirrel-proof feeders that are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the food. Another method is to place your feeders on poles or hangers that are at least six feet off the ground and away from trees or other structures that squirrels could use to jump onto the feeder. You can also try offering squirrel-friendly food like corn or nuts in a separate feeder to distract them from the bird seed.
