If the beauty and song of the birds in your backyard have piqued your interest, it’s time to invest in a bird feeder. You can attract your favorite types of birds to your yard while keeping pests like squirrels at bay with the right bird feeder. However, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping.
Best Bird Feeders for Garden
A bird feeder is a great way to attract new animals and spruce up your outdoor space, whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or simply want to invite more wildlife into your yard. Bird feeders come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types, so you should be able to find one that not only matches your decor style but also meets your specific needs.
The best bird feeders are made to attract specific bird species like hummingbirds, finches, and orioles. Some must be hung from a tree branch or a pole in your garden, while others can be hung in a window for indoor bird watching.
Placing wild bird feeders in your yard is a simple way to attract a variety of native and migrating species. It’s something that will benefit both you and your feathered friends: According to research, feeding wild birds can help them stay healthy, live longer, and reproduce more successfully.
Read on to learn more about the best bird feeders to buy for your garden:
Best Choice Products 4-Hook Bird Feeder Station
Key Features
- Alloy Steel Material
- Comes with Feathers Included
- Multipurpose Hooks
- Easy to Assemble
Overview
The Best Choice Products 4-Hook Bird Feeder Station is ideal for anyone who is unsure about which type of bird feeder to get because it contains (almost) every type of bird feeder in one convenient unit. It has two hooks for hanging the included tube and suet bird feeders, as well as two additional hooks for hanging your own (perhaps a hummingbird feeder?). It also has two slots for the included birdbath or water tray and an extra mesh birdseed tray. It’s also very simple to assemble—all you have to do is tighten the wingnuts at each section.
This bird feeder stand has four long prongs at the base that dig deep into the soil to keep it from tipping over, and it’s made of weather-resistant steel. It’s unreachable from the ground by cats, but with their superior climbing abilities, squirrels will have no trouble getting into it and having a snack. If you don’t want squirrels around, use the base and hang squirrel-proof feeders on it instead.
Brome Squirrel Solution Wild Bird Feeder
Key Features
- Plastic and Metal Material
- Tube Feeder Type
- 6 Ports
- 4 Pounds Capacity
Overview
The Brome Wild Bird Feeder is a lovely addition to any backyard and is squirrel-proof. The rectangular tube-style feeder is composed of UV-resistant plastic for maximum longevity. It is contained in a green metal cage with leaf decorations on each side. This bird feeder, nevertheless, is not merely decorative. The weight activated-shroud shuts off access to the feeding ports when a squirrel climbs up on it. The very energetic, early-spring squirrels occasionally managed to jump out onto the feeder, but as intended, their body weight dragged the metal frame down, obstructing the holes and prohibiting eating.
Although hanging hardware is not provided, this bird feeder can store up to 3.4 pounds of seed and can be mounted on a stand or tree branch. The maker advises using safflower or black oil sunflower seeds to draw in more birds, while it can be used with a variety of mixed seeds. The provided plastic funnel made it simple to load seed into the tube; simply slip the funnel into the top, as noticed by our tester, who also praised how simple it was to fill the bird feeder. We did, however, have some spilling, so be sure to fill in an area where errant seed won’t bother you. Easy disassembly of every component allows for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
This performance, while otherwise excellent, has a few flaws. The modest perches and feeding ports mean that it is unlikely to attract larger birds. But according to our tester, it also attracts many smaller finches and chickadee-like birds. Even though the feeder is squirrel-proof in and of itself, occasionally, seeds will leak out of the perforations and bottom, luring squirrels to the ground below.
Twinkle Star Wild Bird Feeder
Key Features
- Plastic Material
- Hopper Feeder Type
- 6 Ports
- 15 Pounds Capacity
Overview
The Twinkle Star Wild Bird Feeder is a cost-effective option for feeding small birds. The sloping roof protects the birds from rain, and the wrap-around perch at the base allows them to feed comfortably. It can hold up to 2.15 pounds of birdseed and is suitable for a variety of seed types, allowing you to attract a variety of small birds. Because the bird feeder is only 8 inches tall, it cannot accommodate larger birds such as bluejays, woodpeckers, and cardinals.
The plastic Twinkle Star Feeder has clear panels that allow you to monitor seed levels. This unit is pre-assembled and ready to hang, which is a nice feature. It also has a twist-lock roof that makes refilling easy and keeps the birdseed fresh and dry. One significant disadvantage of this feeder is that it will not deter squirrels. Indeed, we’ve heard of squirrels clinging to it and causing the seeds to spill out.
Birds Choice SNTP Recycled Single Cake Tail Prop Suet Feeder
Key Features
- Plastic Material
- Suet Feeder Type
- 5 Pound Weight
- Durable Construction
Overview
The Birds Choice Single Cake Tail Prop Suet Feeder is specifically designed to dispense suet, a high-energy food that is especially beneficial to birds during the winter months. It holds one suet cake and has an extra-long tail prop to help larger birds stay stable while feeding. This sustainable bird feeder is made in the United States from recycled poly-lumber and is designed to withstand inclement weather without cracking, splitting, or fading. It also has rust-resistant aluminum hinges and stainless steel screws for added durability. Because of the reinforced hanging cable wire, this unit is strong enough to support birds of all sizes.
Suet feeders attract chickadees, nuthatches, jays, bluebirds, woodpeckers, and other birds. The mesh openings allow birds easy access to the food. The manufacturer recommends using a hot pepper suet cake to deter squirrels. The only possible disadvantage is the price, which is significantly higher than other suet cages. However, we believe that the long-term construction is worthwhile.
Droll Yankees Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Key Features
- Metal and Polycarbonate Material
- Tube Feeder Type
- 4 Ports
- 5 Pounds Capacity
Overview
Although the price of this bird feeder from Droll Yankees is high, it is justified by its robust construction and creative squirrel-proof design. It has a weight-activated motorized perch ring that will flip off any squirrels attempting to use it. Although it is advantageous that large birds won’t trigger it, others claim that the little perching ring still deters them.
This tube feeder has four feeding holes and has a capacity of five pounds of bird seed. Although it will require more frequent charging, the higher capacity means less frequent filling. The tube is made of UV-stabilized polycarbonate to avoid fading in the sun. It has a metal base with a perching ring so birds may feed securely and a metal top to shield the birdseed from the weather.
Although it costs a lot more than the other bird feeders in this comparison, its cutting-edge design makes it stand out from the crowd. A power stick and an AC converter are included for charging this device. The engine and battery charger are protected by a one-year warranty, while a lifetime warranty covers the feeder body.
Stokes Select Bird Feeder
Key Features
- Plastic and Metal Material
- Thistle Feeder Type
- Designed to Prevent Spilling
- Easy to Fill and Clean
Overview
The greatest kind of bird seed for luring finches is a thistle, commonly known as nyjer seed, and the Stokes Select Bird Feeder is specifically made for it. 1 This thistle is so little that it frequently falls out of standard bird feeders. Instead of feeding ports, this tube feeder has mesh sides that allow birds to snag thistle. It is built of high-density plastic to survive bad weather, and we only came across a few reports of rust and defects. By keeping seeds from leaking, the bottom tray lowers waste while providing a cozy perch.
A little more than 0.5 pounds of thistle seed may be stored in this bird feeder, and drainage holes at the bottom help to keep the seed dry. The twist-lock lid makes filling and cleaning simple. This unit is fairly modest, standing nine inches tall compared to other alternatives. It’s an excellent option for luring finches but unlikely to draw larger birds. Added motivation for bird lovers? A part of each sale is given by the producer to conservation and avian habitat projects.
WOSIBO Deck Hook Bird Feeder
Key Features
- Plastic and Metal Material
- Platform Feeder Type
- Attached to a Balcony
- Easy to Fill and Clean
Overview
The WOSIBO Deck Hook Bird Feeder is a great option for balconies because it is simple to attach to a railing. The water and seed trays that come with this bird feeder can be secured to rails up to 2 inches thick. The metal mesh bird feeder tray and the transparent plastic water dish extend from the clamp. For best positioning, either the bowl or the tray can be turned in any direction. Birds will be lured to the clean water, the maker promises, and will use it as a bird bath.
The open nature of this feeder may not be its sole drawback because it doesn’t prevent squirrels or other bothersome animals. The center support is composed of heavy-duty, powder-coated steel to prevent rust and provide all-season durability. It is simple to fill and clean the feeder tray and bowl because they are separate.
Nature Anywhere Window Feeder for Birds
Key Features
- Plastic Material
- Window Feeder Type
- Clear Glass for Bird Viewing
- Attracts a Good Variety of Birds
Overview
With this lovely bird feeder from Nature Anywhere, you can see your feathered companions up close. You can see the birds feeding without any obstructions because to the unit’s construction of thick clear plastic. It uses powerful suction cups to connect to any glass window and stay in place securely. You can quickly remove the sliding feed tray whenever you need to refill or clean it without disassembling the entire feeder. Two sections on the tray can each hold one sort of bird seed, attracting a variety of birds.
This feeder is high enough at 9.84 inches to allow access to slightly larger birds like cardinals, bluejays, and grosbeaks. The seed is kept dry and fresh thanks to a proprietary air circulation technology. This bird feeder is squirrel-proof, according to the maker, so long as you keep it at least 10 feet away from ledges, branches, and gables. We did come across a few tales of stubborn squirrels still getting in, though. We also found a few accounts of the suction cups losing their hold on the feeder over time and falling.
Final Words
Having a bird feeder in your garden can be a great choice to add beauty and attraction for the birds. In this article, we reviewed the top 8 best bird feeders you can buy to install in your garden or your balcony. When choosing the best feeder for your yard, you should consider different factors like features, size, and capacity of each feeder. We hope this article will help you make the right decision based on your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should I Hang My Bird Feeder?
Two of the most challenging problems when it comes to hanging a bird feeder are squirrels and window strikes. Feeders should be placed three feet or less away from windows. Even if they fly into a window while on the bird feeder because they were startled, they won’t be seriously hurt because they don’t have enough speed. Another approach to keep birds safe is to hang a feeder more than ten feet away from your house.
How Do I Keep Squirrels Out of My Bird Feeder?
Try hanging or putting a feeder on a pole at least 10 feet away from trees and other things that squirrels can climb to prevent them. Using a baffle, a plastic cone hanging beneath the feeder to impede a squirrel’s access, or a squirrel-resistant feeder can also help keep them at bay.
How Often Should You Add New Food to a Bird Feeder?
You might need to refill your bird feeders many times per day to just once per month, depending on their size and how hungry the passing birds are. But generally speaking, it’s better to fill feeders as soon as they’re empty, especially when you’re first setting up the bird feeder and training birds to use it.
If you’re unable to do so right away, try not to worry too much. Birds are always looking for new food sources; if necessary, they’ll probably discover something else. Just remember that birds won’t return to an unstable food source, so replenishing it within a few days or sooner can encourage them to visit your yard more frequently.