Using a Bird Feeder to attract Wild Birds to your Garden

Author: Steve
Wild birds are a wonderful addition to any garden. One of the best ways to attract them is to use a bird feeder and ensure there is a steady supply of nuts, seeds and suet for them to eat throughout the year. Bird feeders are cheap to buy and there are different designs to hold different types of wild bird food.
For peanuts, typically a tubular design made from wire is used. The holes are generally small enough for beaks to get through but too small for a nut to come out without being broken up.
For bird seed, a plastic tube with a small hole at the bottom will hold a plentiful supply and allow easy access for the smaller garden birds.
For suet, a larger diameter tube with a larger holes is ideal for holding 2 or 3 suet balls or cakes at the same time.
Typically bird feeders are hung from a tree or pole. Several feeders can be placed together to form a bird feeding station and attract lots of different bird species.
Care should be taken to place the bird feeders away from predators reach. Cats will prey on any birds feeding close to the ground and squirrels will steal the food and can vandalise the feeder. For this reason, place the bird feeder high enough off the ground and far enough away from the tree trunk, wall or building to stop cats and squirrels from jumping onto the feeder.
It is always a good idea to make sure the birds have water too when feeding them so provide a bird table or similar with a dish of water nearby to the food. Birds need food especially in winter but it is a good idea to keep feeding them throughout the year once you have started.
There are also special bird feeders designs available that include: squirrel proof bird feeders and window bird feeders.
You can find more information on bird feeders at Bird Feeders. As well as information on bird nest boxes, insect nest boxes, owl nest boxes, nest box cameras and other hints and tips on attracting other wildlife into your garden.