Bird Feeder - Please Your feathered Friends
Is it not a wonderful feeling to wake up to the chirping of birds? Don’t you love the way these little feathered things hop around, “fighting” for our attention when you try feeding them? However, do you more often than not miss out on feeding your regular birdies (unless they are your pets)? If you have nodded your head for most of the questions, you should definitely try getting a bird feeder. The aim here is providing basic necessities like food, shelter and water for these birds who have come to depend on you.
What is a Bird Feeder?
A bird feeder is typically a container that is set outdoors for the birds to come and feed on birdseed. Just like us, birds from different species have different preferences and tastes. Stocking the feeder with a variety of seeds would cater to a wider range of birds. An ideal feeder should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the birds as well as squirrels. Yes, even squirrels love birdseed! The feeder should also be able to keep the seeds dry. Last but not least it should be easy to clean. For even we don’t like a messy dining table, right?
The Placement of the Feeder
The placement of the feeder makes a lot of difference in attracting birds. If you have a large garden or backyard, try placing the feeder slightly away from windows. This would not only give you a good view of the birds feeding but also give them a sense of security. Adding a water tray for the birds would be a good option. Having a cover over the bird water feeder would help keep your friends safe from predatory birds.
Types of Feeders
Having at least two or more types of feeders that offer a variety of food is the key to attracting a wide variety of birds. Not all types of birds would prefer one kind of feeder. Having said that let us take a look at some of the most common feeders.
Platform feeders or tray feeders attract the widest variety of seed-eating feeder birds. They are very easy to setup. However, they offer no protection against the elements of nature. They also do not have proper drainage which makes the seeds wet. This can result in sprouted seeds, or may also lead to fungal growth - not a pretty sight for the birds. Bird droppings also tend to soil these types of feeders.
House feeders are another option that you can look at if you want to provide a safe feeding place for the birds. Apart from feeding birds, they also add to your garden’s looks. Tube feeders or hanging bird feeders allow your feathered friends to perch and feed.
There are other forms of feeders also available in the market. If time is a constraint, you can log on to Flipkart and buy a bird feeder online. Browse through a range of options and get the one that best suits you and your feathered friends’ requirements.