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Finch Feeders Feed More Than Just Finches
Now say that five times real fast!Goldfinches aren’t the only birds who will feast on thistle seed or finch mixes. You’re likely to see House and Purple Finches, Eastern Towhees, Juncos, Pine Siskins and Indigo Buntings at finch feeders if they’re native to the area.
With warmer months upon us, the payoff for keeping our finch feeders out year round shows. The brightest lemon yellow birds ever, grace the yards of those who offer thistle or nyjer seed to these sweet-natured birds.
They’re also the one of the latest birds to breed, so if you haven’t gotten any nesting material up yet, there’s still plenty of time. When other birds are finished their breeding season, Goldfinches start – late June to early July.
As always, offering a daily fresh water source will greatly increase the number of birds, as well as species seen in your yard. Birdbaths are an excellent attractor for any birds!
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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!
Birding Tips, Information & News
