- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Finch Feeders, Nyjer Feeders, Thistle Feeders, Uncategorized, Wild Bird Feeders
Upside Down Thistle Feeder
Why do they make some bird feeders upside down? Basically it’s to discourage certain birds from that feeder. There’s an upside down thistle feeder made for feeding American Goldfinches only. House and Purple Finches are unable to consume seed from these perches. The sweet nature of the Goldfinch is to give up rather than fight for a spot at a crowded thistle feeder.With the upside down version, there’s no worry of anybody but a Goldfinch at the feeder. Pretty cool idea! They make a suet feeder like that too, it discourages Starlings and Grackles. It also protects suet cakes from the weather.
For your next thistle feeder….try an upside down one. Happy Birding!
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Nyjer Feeder a Little Too Crowded?
Unlike many wild birds, Goldfinches are more likely to give up and fly away than to compete for food around a crowded nyjer feeder. It’s just not in their amazingly sweet disposition to fight for a spot at a feeder, which is sad because they’re wonderful birds to have around…especially in warmer months when they display vibrant yellow plumage.A great way to solve this problem inexpensively, and still accommodate tons of finches in your yard is by hanging thistle socks. Made of durable nylon mesh with a draw cord type closure, these effective little feeders provide “all-over” feeding space for finches and others who enjoy nyjer seed.
They’re available in a variety of of sizes, from smaller sacks holding a few cups of thistle seed, to jumbo sizes holding a much as a pound or two. Some sacks even have wooden roofs, or some type of weather guard attached as well to help protect them from the elements.
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Nyjer Feeders in the New Year
Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy New Year!
Pick a new feeder for the new year, something you’ve not tried before. Thistle, or nyjer seed is unlike traditional birdseed and will attract different songbirds for your enjoyment. Not only Goldfinches, Buntings, Towhees, Juncos, and Pine Siskins will frequent nyjer feeders throughout the winter, if native to your area. Another advantage of nyjer is that it will not germinate. So there are never any worries of weeds spouting below feeders, weather in the yard or in the flower beds. Squirrels and raccoons generally don’t like thistle either, and usually will not bother these feeders.
Part of the healthy for the new year…please think of your feathered friends and responsible backyard birding. Keeping bird feeders clean, and free of damp and moldy seed is paramount if you are attracting wild birds to your yard. Feeders should be cleaned at least once a month with a 10% bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly. Diseases are spread easily among high traffic areas where many birds congregate. The ground should also be kept clean of spilled seed and droppings, picked up at least weekly.
Happy Birding, and Happy New Year!
Birding Tips, Information & News
Unlike many wild birds, Goldfinches are more likely to give up and fly away than to compete for food around a crowded 
