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See More Species with a Finch Bird Feeder
Feeding thistle or nyjer seed will attract more than Goldfinches!
The high fat and protein content found in thistle makes it wildly popular among both House and Purple Finches, Towhees, Pine Siskins, Juncos, and Indigo Buntings (shown above). This makes the Finch Bird Feeder highly versatile and a pleasure to watch. Another great benefit of this feeder is that seed won’t germinate, so there’s no worries of unsightly weeds below your feeder.
Mixing thistle seed with finely chopped sunflower kernels also helps reduce the mess below feeders. Pine Siskins and other prefer the mix as well. Finch feeders have special ports for thistle, they are generally much smaller than those of other wild bird feeders. There are tons of finch bird feeders on the market, one to suit your tastes and environment shouldn’t be too hard to find!
- Bird Accessories, Bird Feeders, Nesting Material, Thistle Feeders, Tube Bird Feeder, Uncategorized, Wild Bird Feeders
Add Nesting Material Near Thistle Bird Feeders
If you enjoy goldfinches and happen to feed thistle or nyjer seed to attract them, there’s more you can do to accommodate these little songbirds. Adding nesting material near your thistle bird feeders will entice them to nest nearby. This means a good chnace of seeing more finches and especially fledglings. Although Goldfinches don’t use birdhouses, they will nest in hedges or trees. They are the latest songbird to nest and breed with their season running from June to September. (So there’s still time).The House Finch, who also feasts at thistle feeders, has 1 to 3 broods per year, so they stay pretty busy building their nests – which can be found just about anywhere. Check the Boston Ferns on your front porch before drenching them with water!
Commercial nesting materials are available, but you can make your own fairly easily. Using a mesh bag (from the produce section of the grocery store) start collecting dryer lint, yarn strings, pet hair, moss, and small twigs. Gather materials and tie off bag to hang from a tree branch. Your birds will be grateful for the easy pickings!
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Add an Inexpensive Thistle Feeder for Crowds
The American Goldfinch is adored by many backyard birders, mostly for their vibrant yellow plumage and sweet song. With a gentle disposition, they tend to shy away from a crowded thistle feeder, whereas most birds become aggressive and fight for food.You can alleviate this problem by adding extra feeders. With the use of thistle, or nyjer socks, it is very inexpensive and effective to accommodate more finches. The thistle socks are available in different sizes, and best of all, cost only a few dollars (usually under $5.00). No cleaning required, basically they are meant to be disposable after becoming worn or tattered.
They allow for cling-type, all over feeding as opposed to perches, so the whole feeder is actual feeding space. Thistle socks are available in white mesh, black, even festive holiday colors! Eliminate the competition for food and attract more Goldfinches with the use of this innovative thistle feeder.
Birding Tips, Information & News
If you enjoy goldfinches and happen to feed thistle or nyjer seed to attract them, there’s more you can do to accommodate these little songbirds. Adding nesting material near your 
The American Goldfinch is adored by many backyard birders, mostly for their vibrant yellow plumage and sweet song. With a gentle disposition, they tend to shy away from a crowded 