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If you’re looking for a way to attract a variety of birds to your yard this spring and summer, adding a feeder to your outdoor décor is a great plan.
In addition, you’ll find yourself paying more attention to which types of birds frequent your yard, says Jody Allair, director of community engagement for Birds Canada.
Allair says the spike in interest in birdwatching that began during the pandemic has shown no signs of abating.
“Now and especially since the pandemic, the interest in birding and bird feeding–it’s just off the charts right now.”
Birdwatching is also good for mental health, says Allair.
“Birding (or birdwatching) is quite powerful on many levels… paying attention to birds has this really amazing effect,” he says, with a nod to studies which have demonstrated that people who spent time outdoors in the afternoon watching birds had lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress.
Paying attention to what’s flying around your neighbourhood and community can also be transformative. “It can transform people’s relationship with nature,” says Allair. He says becoming a birdwatcher often inspires people to think more about protecting the natural environment and conservation.
The best way to start is to get a feeder that suits your needs, and to learn a little bit more about the feathered friends that will likely pay your feeder a visit.
Platform feeders, whether wood, metal or plastic, are a great way to attract birds of all sizes, but especially larger birds like grosbeaks, woodpeckers and blue jays. However, they will not keep squirrels away, so using these feeders versus a squirrel-proof feeder is really a matter of choice, says Allaire.
The number one thing to consider when deciding to put out a feeder is ensuring you clean it regularly. Putting out a feeder and never cleaning it can cause your birdfeeder to potentially spread disease, notes Allair. So, look for “easy to clean” over a cute design. Allair recommends cleaning a busy feeder once a week with warm soapy water and/or a mild bleach solution and a less busy feeder maybe once every two weeks. The key is to dry it thoroughly to ensure no moisture remains that could potentially cause mold or other diseases to develop.
This highly rated feeder will blend nicely into any outdoor style as it’s made from high-quality insect and rot-resistant cedar. Its simple design allows it to be hung from virtually any sturdy branch and it comes with a removable tray that can be removed for washing. Its large surface area attracts juncos, cardinals, grosbeaks and more.[/product_listing]
Elevate your backyard style with the Bird Cafe Modern Feeder – a chic, architectural piece featuring asymmetrical windows for quick seed checks, a sleek wrap-around tray for feathered guests to perch and dine, and a sturdy steel cable for hanging.[/product_listing]
Allair says some bird watchers dislike their seeds being snatched by squirrels, so in that case, go for a squirrel-proof feeder. Most are tube shaped with perches for smaller birds like nuthatches and chickadees. But Allair notes larger birds such as cardinals will have more difficulty perching on some of the smaller squirrel-proof options.
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is designed with a smart weight-activated system that shuts feeding ports when squirrels climb on it, helping ensure the seed stays reserved for birds. With four feeding ports and a 3 lb capacity, it supports multiple birds at once while offering a low-maintenance way to enjoy regular backyard bird activity.[/product_listing]
This unique cage design allows small birds like bluebirds, chickadees, and nuthatches to access the feeder while keeping out unwanted visitors such as grey squirrels. It features a secure metal mesh cover that ensures proper ventilation for keeping seeds fresh and dry. [/product_listing]
Or try a heavy duty, 1-kilogram all-metal feeder, extremely popular with bird lovers because of its ability to resist hungry squirrels via a similar system. The Perky Pet holds up against hot and cold weather and can host six avian visitors at a time.[/product_listing]
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Besides squirrel-proof or tube style products, Allair says the other main type birders might want to consider is a hummingbird feeder, as these tiny creatures feed on sugar water. He says rather than purchasing commercial hummingbird food, it’s healthier to make your own (mix four parts water with one part sugar). Orioles will also visit a hummingbird feeder if you remove the bee guards, he says.
Inexpensive but effective, the Perky Pet attracts common hummingbirds including the Ruby Throated, which is one of the most commonly spotted in Canada and features a metallic green back. Fill it from the top and watch the hummingbirds come to you. And it comes apart in eight pieces for easy cleaning.[/product_listing]
Allair highly recommends that rather than commercial bird seed, birders serve up black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts (beloved by blue jays). These protein-packed power foods are perfect for pretty much any bird, says Allair, and they’re more inexpensive than seed mixes which often contain filler that birds will pick over.
A large bag should last several months or more. This one is 11.36 kg, and users say it attracts all kinds of birds (and some squirrels) to feeders. Bonus–no wasted seeds that they’ll just scatter on the ground.[/product_listing]
Allair says birders should continue to put out food in the winter. He recommends hanging suet or rendered fat in the winter. “Having suet is really important, especially for those cold snaps.”
Try this all-metal version from Lee Valley. It keeps commercial suet neatly inside while allowing birds to access food easily throughout the winter.[/product_listing]
Observe your backyard birds in 2k and in real time with this high-tech feeder. With auto capture and AI identify (that can capture 10000+ bird species), you’ll receive instant notifications to watch birds in full colour day and night on APP to ensure you never miss a visit from your feathered friends.[/product_listing]
This smart bird feeder is made from renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable bamboo wood. Its waterproof camera uses advanced artificial intelligence to analyze bird activity and accurately identify over 6,000 species, while also supporting simultaneous live streaming so you can view and cast real-time footage at home.[/product_listing]
If you love bird-watching, this feeder has alerts and clear videos that will pop up right on your phone. It’s solar-powered, tough enough to handle the weather (and squirrels), and even tells you what kind of bird you’re looking at.
[/product_listing]
This smart bird feeder, paired with the CoolFly app, offers real-time, AI-powered bird identification, HD video capture, and instant alerts – turning every bird visit into a fun, shareable experience for enthusiasts of all ages.[/product_listing]
Once you get started, Allair says, birdwatching can become addictive as you learn which birds visit your yard and become able to identify them. “Once you start paying attention, it’s hard to turn it off… that’s why birds are kind of magic.”
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