Reddit mentions: The best wild bird feeders

Things you as a regular person can do to help the earth:

1. Avoid using plastic shopping bags, keep reusable bags in your car or bag.
   
   
2. Recycle. Glass, paper, and can recycling is widespread, but you should also recycle your light bulbs and electronic equipment.
   
   
3. Walk, bike and take public transit more. When it comes to longer journeys, the CO2 hierarchy is generally bus/train > carpool > airplane > solo drive. Source
   
   
4. Eat fewer animal products, compost if possible, and consider growing some of your own food. Tomatoes and cucumbers are among the easiest to grow. One source for seeds and another source for seeds.
   
   
5. Diversify the plants in your garden. Plants suck up CO2 and native plants support native pollinators. Audubon has a native plant finder for the US. Limit the chemicals you put on your plants. Also considering adding some potted plants to your home. Some specific plants have been found to improve indoor air quality. These include snake plant, aloe vera, spider plant, and peace lily, all of which can easily be found at big box stores.
   
   
6. Considering adding a bird feeder, solar birth bath, or bee house to your landscape. Here's a squirrel resistant bird feeder and here's another one. Solar birth baths like this one keep the water in motion so mosquitos don't breed (bird bath needs to be in direct sun to work). Mason bees are native pollinators who generally only sting if attacked. A mason bee house like this or this should be put in direct sun.
   
   
7. Buy second hand. More stuff = more waste. Thrift stores aren't just for poor people, most stores get way more donations than sales so shopping there helps support the store. Well made antique furniture can be the same price as buying something new from a big box store. Goodwill, the Salvation Army, etc. usually have a huge stock of stuff. Buffalo Exchange has more fashion forward clothing, the Junior League tends to have higher end older/more professional clothing. Once Upon a Child has higher end kids stuff. Here's a list of the best second hand stores in all 50 states.
   
   
8. Avoid replacing your electronics unnecessarily. 20 years ago, people kept electronic appliances an average of 10-15 years and now we are down to 6-8 years (this includes things like toaster ovens and hair dryers as well as cell phones and computers). This creates a tremendous amount of volatile waste. And when you do replace electronic equipment, recycle it.
   
   
9. Consider weatherstripping to reduce the energy needed to heat and cool your home. EPA guide, This Old House guide, Handyman guide.
   
   
10. Support environmental organizations. I know Reddit is super paranoid about charity scams, but there are good organizations. For example, Earthjustice in an environmental law group with 4 Stars on Charity Navigator and an A on Charity Watch. Environmental Working Group works to on the intersection between health and the environment. It also has 4 Stars on Charity Navigator and an A on Charity Watch. Waterkeeper Alliance works globally to protect clean water and has 4 Stars from Charity Navigator, an A+ from Charity Watch and is one of Consumer Report's Recommended Charities. African Wildlife Foundation has 4 Stars on Charity Navigator, an A- from Charity Watch, and is one of Consumer Report's Recommended Charities.

I just started feeding the birds in backyard in January. Great responses already. Yeah, you can spend quite a bit of money on different feeders that you may end up rotating around depending on how you see fit. As mentioned below, taking into consideration what your backyard/garden is like and how well manicured does it need to stay will make a difference.

Low maintenance could just be a hanging tray feeder like this https://www.amazon.com/Woodlink-Going-Platform-Feeder-GGPLAT/dp/B002W8PVWK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GTC7GY5NPPDWR5TCY6RW . you can also invest in some of those hanging planter chains so you can extend the feeder lower depending on how high your branches or structure are.

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Low maintenance could also just be spreading some no-mess seed like sunflower kernels on the ground around or under the bushes to get them interested but also feeding in a relatively more protected area due to your hawk.

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You'll want to evaluate how you feel about the hawk in the grand scheme of things as attracting more birds may attract hawk attention and/or even disease.

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Getting one of those Shepherd's hooks with the multiple hanging attachment points is good as well esp if no good trees around or you need to keep it far away from a squirrel launching point. Those tube feeders are relatively low maintenance although you definitely will need to spend a little more time cleaning them every so often.

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Hummingbird feeders are pretty neat as well if you see or hear any in the area. The nectar recipe is super easy, but you do have to replace the nectar more often in hot/warmer weather or else it gets moldy, so that is also one more thing to do or focus on.

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One other point is the mention about the water features for drinking and bath. I underestimated this part, but depending on water availability around you from nature ponds/lakes/rivers/streams vs neighbors, water will be a huge thing to offer and isn't that hard to maintain. Even a terra cotta base would be a start.

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Good luck!

It's so fun! Yay! I also like to hang bird (and butterfly too!) friendly plants, like fuschia (hummingbirds LOVE them), and plant flowers that attract birds. This year I think I'm gonna plant a honeysuckle vine. I had a cheap plastic bird bath that actually looked pretty cute and the birds loved it, but I didn't bring it in during winter and the polar vortex cracked it. Now I have this hanging bird bath that I like a lot. I would definitely recommend adding some sort of water source, makes a big difference.

This isn't necessary but I also have this ground feeder because a lot of birds love to feed on the ground (mourning doves are a big one, and the white-throated sparrows you had) and it keeps squirrels from freaking out trying to climb my feeders too. I use a squirrel and critter blend for that, the corn kernels are big enough to keep the house sparrows away. Can you see everything I do is to minimize house sparrows? If you don't they WILL overrun your yard and crowd out other birds. I can say that my tips actually do work, I went from having a huge flock of house sparrows in my yard to averaging only two or three!

Another feeder I have that's especially useful to the birds during fall migration/winter is a suet feeder.

We have 2 of these window mounted bird feeders and we love them!

https://www.amazon.com/Aspects-ASP155-Window-Feeder-Variety/dp/B000CSJ1VE

It takes a while for the birds to notice them but once they start coming it's amazing. We get pretty cardinals and finches.

We use safflower seed that doesn't attract squirrels. The bottom part slides out easily to refill without having to remount the suction cups.

Good luck!

Okay, so this'll be pretty close to what you want. I'm not sure if you're going to order the stuff off of Amazon or go to a local supply house, but I'll link you the bulk of the stuff and do up a little drawing to give you an idea of how I'd put this stuff together.

Softener:

https://www.amazon.com/Fleck-Demand-Softener-Capacity-Commercial/dp/B01K5V8BOU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487723196&sr=8-1&keywords=clack+softener

or

https://thewaterfilterestore.com/collections/water-softeners-and-tannin-filters-the-water-filter-estore/products/deluxe-water-softener-27-000-grain

I prefer the Clack softener heads, but Fleck makes good stuff too and are usually a little less expensive. The Fleck unit is larger than you probably need and the Clack unit is probably a little on the small side. Personally I'd get a 35K grain unit with either Fleck or Clack head on it.

https://www.amazon.com/Res-Up-Liquid-Resin-Cleaner-Feeder/dp/B007LZ0CT6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487724267&sr=8-1&keywords=res+up+feeder

https://www.amazon.com/ResCare-RK41N-All-Purpose-Softener-Cleaner/dp/B00TQGNA5G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487724267&sr=8-2&keywords=res+up+feeder

Get some of that stuff too. The feeder goes into the brine tank of your softener and needs to be filled a few times a year. Takes care of your softener media, extending the life of your softener and helps especially if you have a bit of iron in the water.

Sediment & sterilization:

https://thewaterfilterestore.com/collections/ultraviolet-disinfection-water-filters-the-water-filter-estore/products/uv-dynamics-ultraviolet-uv-mini-rack-solenoid-mr320-tp2-110?variant=1016345763

So the MR320 rack is what I typically install, however I usually just go with the single sump model, which I can't find on that site. They're a nice economical unit that are super easy to install and maintain with inexpensive lamps, lenses, and filters. The only caveat is that you have to install your own bypass, but that's not difficult to do and I'll explain it below.

if your pressure tank is shot, replace it with either a Flexcon WR120R or FL12

http://www.flexconind.com/products/well-tanks/wellrite-well-tanks/

http://www.flexconind.com/products/well-tanks/flexlite-well-tanks/

Tank tee:

https://www.boshart.com/product.php?id=Fa8fdsPcWPkl2WsXiXOJi72RHhXH-DFJdbUWZzdRyf0_ for the WR120R

https://www.boshart.com/product.php?id=r3LQkDEAxP1ic-h3E991I-QZn7qGr5N5tpc0xGUPM9g_ for the FL12

if/when you get the tank tee, you can get it as a package with a sediment tap, pressure relief valve, pressure gauge, 0.25" x 3" brass nipple, and a 40/60 pressure switch. Boshart has the kits on their site, but your supplier will have them put together already. I prefer Square D pressure switches to Boshart or Furnas, but it doesn't really matter that much.

Okay, so I'm going to submit this and then do my drawing and share some photos of a previous install that will be similar to yours.

Edit: http://m.imgur.com/mU8dgLk

So here's a pretty idea install which yours would be similar to. Going to do my drawing now.

Super shitty drawing for the tank set up:

http://m.imgur.com/a/5NEnvuO

If you can't read my chicken scratch you'll need to get: a 1" spring check valve, two 1" ball valves, two 2" (long) x 1" brass or 316 stainless nipples, a 1" bronze tee, two bronze or nylon insert couplings, two 1" bronze insert adaptors, one 1" by 0.75" bronze bushing, probably about 8' (to have lots) of 1" braided flex hose, couple bags of all stainless steel 1" hose clamps (#14 I think).

Splice the poly lines and replace all that weird shit you've got there with the flex hose. So it'll be like line in -> insert adaptor -> check valve -> tank tee -> bronze tee -> nipples and ball valves (one ball valve gets your bushing and the other gets the second insert adaptor which goes to the line out).

From the bushing, put in a 0.75" pex adaptor and go to your softener. From the softener, take pex to your mini rack. Now, you're going to want isolation valves around the mini rack too. Two more 0.75" pipe thread ball valves, or you can use PEX valves, it doesn't really matter. To do your bypass, you just need to tee off before and after your isolation valves, with one more ball valve in the middle. This allows you to completely bypass the filter and rack for service or if something happens to it and you still need water.

I'd recommend:

1. One that has drainage holes on the bottom, and
   
   
2. The part that holds the seeds is removable to make it easier to clean and refill without having to unstick and restick the suction cups every time. i.e. the whole thing should NOT be one solid piece.
   
   Also, the bigger the 'roof', the better for keeping the seed dry.
   
   I've had this one for ~5–6 years; it's still in good shape and I'm still happy with it. But any that meet the above requirements should be good.

I got this one (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZZTJSX?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf) I love it, I’ve had it for months and it’s held up and never fallen (I live on the third floor). I also got a bag of 11 lb of bird feed for like $5. Such a good investment he LOVES talking to the birds it’s adorable!

DIY Lomo Camera Kit: A little bit on the gimmicky side, but a solid gift for hobby photographers who like to do crafty things

Bird feeder: I love birds and can't wait to own a place where I can install a bird feeder. You can get lots of different kinds but my favourite are the ones you stick on your window

This horse head shaped squirrel feeder is seriously one of the more amazing things I have ever seen for sale.

Seriously, look at that! Haw. Poor squirrels!

Wait! What am I saying. LUCKY squirrel. They get treats and we get a good laugh so I suppose everyone wins!

I don't think cowbirds typically parasiitize birds that nest in cavities, so no worries there. It's not something I would worry about. I have both species show up to my feeders - more of the cowbirds though. My grandparents feed house sparrows by the dozens. House sparrows are part of North America now - some of us just don't appreciate them (or other invasives like starlings). Though I respect the hell out of their ability to take advantage of people.

The last picture there is a red-bellied woodpecker. A very cool species that creates tree cavities that other species will take over. If you put out a suet feeder they really like it and will show up regularly. Starlings (another invasive in the US) will also eat suet, so a upside down one like this will help just the nuthatches and woodpeckers use it.

Here is a couple cute ones but you should be able to find some good ones at a home improvement store like Lowe's or Home Depot if you don't like these.

I'm two years ahead of you on this.

I had the best results by buying a freestanding holder for my bird feeders. I have this one.

I spent a lot of money on different feeders and food before realizing that a rust proof feeder with black oil sunflower seed was what worked best. This year, I had American Goldfinches come to winter at my house.

I also have Cedar Waxwings come to drink out of my "bird bath" which is a rubber tub that I keep 2-3" of water in with paving stones.

Do you have any flowers, bushes, trees? We have a lot of bird activity because of the plants in the yard.

Whole shelled peanuts are definitely the way to go. I've had as many as 6 blue jays hanging out in my yard taking turns grabbing peanuts.

I have a wreath style feeder like this that I hang https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EC3ZBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0wmozb8ENV1J9

As a bonus, it also attracts woodpeckers. They actually hang out and peck the shells open and pull out the peanuts.

Amazon has a great feeder that I've used. Easy to clean and maintain.

http://www.amazon.com/Aspects-361-Oriole-Feeder-16-Ounce/dp/B000NVDGKM

I'm going to try and relate this because it's funny.

Ok, this is related to Krys because, squirrels like peanuts, peanuts are grown in the ground, it's dark underground, secrets can be dark, and Krys is of course our secret keeper. (I'm pretty sure she also thinks we're all nuts, so you can go off in that direction too!)

The large tube style feeder was purchased from Costco this last spring and is no longer available. A similar one is available on amazon here https://www.amazon.com/Stylecraft-4-Tube-Bird-Feeder/dp/B07N9LMR6C

The blue metal tube feeder we found at Lowe's https://www.lowes.com/pd/Perky-Pet-Red-Metal-Tube-Bird-Feeder/1000340999

The tray style feeder I found at Ace Hardware but I suggest looking anywhere else because I am pretty sure I overpaid for it https://www.acehardware.com/departments/outdoor-living/bird-and-wildlife-supplies/bird-feeders/8123291

I have several of these hummingbird feeders in my yard and I'm not crazy about the way they have to be filled. I would probably go with something else but I will link this one anyways! https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wild-Wings-So-Real-Glass-Hummingbird-Feeder-Honeysuckle-WWGFHF3/302862710

This last feeder is almost certainly just for decoration, but my six year old wasn't about to let it not be used and the birds have had no issues with it! https://www.michaels.com/artminds-gazebo-bird-feeder/10302315.html

Perhaps a large piece puzzle. Bits and Pieces - 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults 18"X24" - Home Grown - 300 pc Jigsaw by Artist John Sloane https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGMMM9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_L5mTDbM2GJGAQ

I built a stand feeder from this Nature's Way Bird Products CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder, Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C61VR2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_t6mTDbE6QVBNF , a post, two brackets, and some ready mix concrete. It’ll set in a day. Really easy to install. Stain the whole thing with outdoor oil. Give her a big bag of bird seed and she could probably manage to put cups of it in the platform. She’ll get all types of birds and squirrels and wildlife that way and it could really enhance the garden.

You could also consider getting things to make the outside nicer to sit in in the winter. An awning over her sitting area, a better chair, a heater, a gas fire pit that’s push to light (if you feel she has enough attention to turn it off and not endanger her home/leave it running).

I have two of these and they are extremely easy to clean, and don't leak... They are also cheaper and just as good as the Hummzingers, but they have a bigger well.

https://www.amazon.com/Juegoal-Hanging-Hummingbird-Feeder-Feeding/dp/B0756B3CGF

Diversity in your garden is really good for attracting pollinators. As an example, we have several families of hummingbirds who regularly visit our garden because we not only have feeders out (small, unobtrusive ones, like this one), but have a variety of flowers that hummingbirds like, here and there (trumpet vines, rhododendrons, etc). We also have diversity in our food garden, intermixing or food plants with various flowers.

I think your placement sounds fine, it will help make the birds comfortable if there's some cover nearby. I've never tried safflower, but look for the kind of feeder that has a spring-loaded guard that covers the ports when anything heavier than a bird lands on it. I have this one that I fill with black oil sunflower for the finches, chickadee, tufted titmice, nuthatches, and woodpeckers, and this one that I fill with a cheap mix for everyone else. The squirrels can only clean up what gets dropped.

Suet is hard to keep undesirables out of, starlings will gobble it up in no time, if the squirrels don't rip the whole thing open and run off with it first. I still try to keep some out for the woodpeckers though, I just try to keep it where the squirrels can't easily get to it. As far as keeping other birds out the only thing I've had some success with is something like this. The downies seem to have no trouble with it but the red bellies haven't found it yet, I haven't seen any starlings at it either but the house sparrows do manage to hang on and snitch a bit.

I have a few set up and this is the one that they like the most. I occasionally get bees but that is only when it's about time to change the nectar (so I regard them as a helpful reminder).

Premium Birdfeeding Station Kit

I bought the above birdfeeding station kit in November for $27. It has several hooks, a tray, and a dish for setting up many kinds of bird feeders at once. It’s a great buy.

There's a seal at the top, so air can't get in thru the top.

You know when you turn a bottle of water over and it goes glug glug glug? That's because air has to go in to let water come out. If you then stick the mouth of the bottle into a bowl, the bowl will fill, but there's no way for the air to get into the mouth of the bottle, so it doesn't glug any more.

Eventually, if you lower the level in the bowl until the air can get to the mouth of the bottle, you'll get bubbles going into the bottle until the bowl water covers the mouth of the bottle again and then it's stable.

This wouldn't work except the pipe is bent at the bottom to make a bowl.

There's a similar effect with things like hummingbird feeders. https://www.amazon.com/First-Nature-Hummingbird-Feeder-16-Ounce/dp/B005XOZKC6/ref=pd_day0_86_1

Amazon link for the head.

In case anyone wants one for themselves, they're available on amazon for a little more than $25. I personally haven't bought one, so I don't know how good the quality is.

A quick google search shows that it is an actual product and can be yours for only $12.

http://amzn.com/B00I5PUHEQ

It's a Squirrel Feeder

You're saying if it's too big they'll poop in the food? So this one would be a bad idea? https://www.amazon.com/Aspects-ASP155-Window-Feeder-Variety/dp/B000CSJ1VE/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1510712313&sr=1-1&keywords=Aspects+ASP155&dpID=518BuRKUMML&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch