Backyard bird watching

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by PRBuzz

Agree with Raven, too high up and away from cover. Give them time others will find the feeder, especially at first snow.

Appreciate the input from you and Raven. Unfortunately, that spot was my only option. We have some large bay windows with a reflective coating on the outside which works out well in that we can stand right next to the window and see the birds (the pictures I posted are without any zoom). We don't have a yard or anything like that and wanted to put the feeders in a place where they could be enjoyed.

Those two goldfinches have gone through half the tube of sunflower seed in about a week. Do you guys suggest I get a mixed seed or keep going with the sunflower seeds?

Honestly, my main goal is to get regular visits from cardinals. I really enjoy their vivid red color. Tips?

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Honestly, my main goal is to get regular visits from cardinals. I really enjoy their vivid red color. Tips?

Get something with a flat bottom, cardinals don't like (but will try) to feed from tube feeders. Stay with 100% striped or better black oil sunflower seeds. Cardinals like safflower seeds (white). Put up a couple suet feeders and enjoy all the birds that like those. You can hang them from the bottom of your tubes.

Once birds start feeding they will draw more birds.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by PRBuzz

Get something with a flat bottom, cardinals don't like (but will try) to feed from tube feeders. Stay with 100% striped or better black oil sunflower seeds. Cardinals like safflower seeds (white). Put up a couple suet feeders and enjoy all the birds that like those. You can hang them from the bottom of your tubes.

Once birds start feeding they will draw more birds.

I have a similar setup on the other side of the bay window that holds suet. Haven't seen a single bird land on it and doesn't look like a scrap of suet has been eaten.

I may go to Job Lot and grab something like this:

hang it where the suet bag is now and hang the suet bag below.

[PRBuzz]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I have a similar setup on the other side of the bay window that holds suet. Haven't seen a single bird land on it and doesn't look like a scrap of suet has been eaten.

I may go to Job Lot and grab something like this:

hang it where the suet bag is now and hang the suet bag below.

That's ideal for your cardinals! Get some high level mix with safflower and fill that feeder. The suet eating birds will be here shortly don't give up on it.

[Raven]

on the safflower seed

but you want to go get HULLED seed blend at a wild birds unlimited
outlet if you have one near by... as its allot fresher
kaytee is also a good quality brand

otherwise go to a feed store...and see what they have

stuff at: job lot, k mart ,walmart ect is old and usually a cheap quality....never BUY a huge bag of blended seed that has MILLET in it because its a scam BIGTIME and the worst seed imaginable
don't buy seed sight unseen where you cant see thru the bag
unless you trust the brand... noticing how much shake or broken down seed "dust" also is an indicator of seed age and quality

the higher quality seed is denser meaning less seed HULLS taking up space inside the feeder ... and they don't have to shell it

it's CHRISTMAS so reward them with something higher quality
ESPECIALLY since we are in extremely cold temperatures....

Always amazes me when i see a NUTHATCH t#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g saflower and sunflower seeds up underneath roof shingles as a secret stash only that particular bird will remember

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by PRBuzz

That's ideal for your cardinals! Get some high level mix with safflower and fill that feeder. The suet eating birds will be here shortly don't give up on it.

Good to know. I hate having to buy something so simple to make, but I have neither the time nor space to build one unless I wait until after Christmas.

Originally Posted by Raven

on the safflower seed

but you want to go get HULLED seed blend at a wild birds unlimited
outlet if you have one near by... as its allot fresher
kaytee is also a good quality brand

otherwise go to a feed store...and see what they have

stuff at: job lot, k mart ,walmart ect is old and usually a cheap quality....never BUY a huge bag of blended seed that has MILLET in it because its a scam BIGTIME and the worst seed imaginable
don't buy seed sight unseen where you cant see thru the bag
unless you trust the brand... noticing how much shake or broken down seed "dust" also is an indicator of seed age and quality

the higher quality seed is denser meaning less seed HULLS taking up space inside the feeder ... and they don't have to shell it

it's CHRISTMAS so reward them with something higher quality
ESPECIALLY since we are in extremely cold temperatures....

Always amazes me when i see a NUTHATCH t#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g saflower and sunflower seeds up underneath roof shingles as a secret stash only that particular bird will remember

Awesome info Raven. There's a livestock feed store right down the street from my office, I'll see what they have. Otherwise, Briggs flower nursery in N. Attleboro usually has a pretty good stock of high quality seed - pricey though.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Good to know. I hate having to buy something so simple to make, but I have neither the time nor space to build one unless I wait until after Christmas.


Awesome info Raven. There's a livestock feed store right down the street from my office, I'll see what they have. Otherwise, Briggs flower nursery in N. Attleboro usually has a pretty good stock of high quality seed - pricey though.

Wild birds Unlimited by Stonehill College