Things To Consider When Buying Wild Bird Feeders

If you are an avowed bird lover–and even if you are not–few sights can match the calming comfort and serenity that frolicking birds can provide. It is a sight that can trigger memories of a much simpler and more innocent time in the past, when the worries and cares of the real world were a lifetime away.

Thankfully there is a way to recapture some of the magic of those bygone times and that is with wild bird feeders. Having a ready supply food around is one of the best ways to entice birds to frequent your yard, and wild bird feeders are the most effective and cost efficient ways to do just that.

Wild bird feeders come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, colors and designs and you can hardly go wrong with choosing any of the commonly available models. So how do you choose which particular type of wild bird feeder to go for?

One of the most important considerations for any beginning bird feeder owner is the type of bird that you wish to attract. Seed feeders–which are by far the most familiar type of wild bird feeder around–will attract the common songbirds such as cardinals, chickadees and finches. These types of feeders can vary in design from the simplest feeding tray type setups to more elaborate ones with latching feeding mechanisms.

Naturally if you want to attract a specific type of bird–such as a hummingbird or an oriole for example–you will want to purchase a wild bird feeder that is designed specifically with their needs in mind.

Another important consideration when purchasing a wild bird feeder is the material. Feeders made of plastic have been increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason: they are extremely durable and they are generally very inexpensive. Be aware though that they tend to discolor when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, and they are harder to keep sanitary.

Glass models would be an ideal alternative given those considerations, but they are not without their own disadvantages. They are prone to breakage for one thing, and if they fall from a height–which is where wild bird feeders are typically installed–there is a risk of glass shards flying around when it shatters.

In any event, most commonly available wild bird feeders present very good value for the money and you will surely enjoy the color and life that they will bring to your yard!