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Got Crowds at Your Thistle Bird Feeder?
Because of their sweet nature and very gentle disposition, American Goldfinches will quickly give up, rather than fight at a crowded thistle bird feeder. Larger tube feeders are great, but sometimes seed at the bottom tends to spoil. Multiple thistle feeders are a good idea, but can get pretty costly.An inexpensive and effective way to feed lots more finches is using thistle socks. The Finch Magic Thistle Sack is a heavy duty mesh thistle bird feeder with drawstring and toggle lock. Available in three convenient sizes, the black color is wonderful for viewing vibrant Goldfinches during summer months…the contrast is absolutely stunning! Hanging several of these feeders allows many more finches to feed comfortably than with one traditional tube feeder.
Don’t forget the nesting materials, as these birds are the last ones to breed and nest, waiting until June or July. And as always, a fresh water source will attract and entice more feathered friends to stick around your place.
- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Nyjer Feeders, Thistle Feeders, Tube Bird Feeder, Uncategorized, Wild Bird Feeders
Got Clumping Thistle Bird Feeders?
Long thistle tube feeders are great for feeding lots of hungry finches, but many times the seed at the bottom tends to clump, quickly becoming damp and spoiled. Birds won’t eat rotten seed, there’s even a name for this phenomenon.Even seed distribution is the best strategy for any tube style feeder, including thistle bird feeders. The 3- tube feeder shown above allows full view of all 24 birds feeding at once…a pretty spectacular site.
Another way to alleviate the “clumps” in thistle bird feeders is to use a few ping pong balls. They work great to disperse the seed more evenly and keep it from gathering quickly at the bottom. A effective and inexpensive solution to clumping seed!
- 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!
Birding Tips, Information & News
