In our interior region, we see many species of birds year-round. A feeder is the best way to ensure bird visitors in your own backyard. There are many types of feeders available and you can choose from a variety to help promote lots of bird patrons. Also, don’t be afraid to have a few different types of feeders to encourage many different varieties of birds to seek out your backyard (or front yard, deck, patio, anywhere that works for you). A common type of feeder is the suet feeder, they are a style of bird feeder that allows the birds to feed at a solid chunk of food. The feed is most often in the form of a cake and is placed into a wire cage. This allows for the birds to perch on the feeder and peck for food through the cage. The suet is usually composed of rendered fat from kidneys or loins of fat from beef and is perfectly safe for birds to eat. The most common types of birds you will attract with a suet feeder is finches, bluebirds, wrens, sparrows, robins, woodpeckers, cardinals, chickadees, and nuthatches. Peanut feeders are a great way to attract blue jays, nuthatches, tufted titmice, and woodpeckers (and sometimes squirrels as well). They are usually shaped like a tube but can also be found in a wreath shape. These feeders generally come with large holes so the birds have to work at getting the peanuts out. Another common type of feeder is the tube feeder. They can come in a variety of sizes but when looking for a tube feeder, try to find one that comes with a weighted lid or contraption that will close off access to the feed from “bully” birds (like grackles) and squirrels.
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