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Seeing Red at Finch Feeders
Think finch, and the first thing that usually comes to mind is a vibrant yellow American goldfinch, and because of their late breeding season, they’re out in full force this time of year. In fact, with their second molt, those bright feathers are giving way to new but drab winter plumage… so don’t think they’ve left! Finches are resident birds throughout most of the US. So keep on feeding them 🙂The other finch is purple by name, but their plumage is really more red. You’re apt to see another red bird at finch feeders if you offer a premium seed mix.
Cardinals adore their sunflower seed, and a better quality finch mix will have more of it.Like anything else, there’s okay, better and best, this absolutely applies to birdseed too! Best will cost more, but it offers higher nutritional value and less waste in return. One of the reasons folks quit feeding birds is the ground mess (and who it attracts), so by using a mix with no fillers-which is what ends up on the ground anyway, you’ll not only attract more of the desired birds, you’ll have considerably less mess below feeders.
Try stocking your finch feeder with a mix of premium nyjer seed and sunflower chips. It’s got a high fat content, (great for winter) and there’s no corn, no milo, no millet that’s found in less expensive birdseed. No, we don’t sell it, but yes we use it, purchased from our local WBU… but don’t tell anyone!Although cardinals do prefer larger, secure spaces while feeding, they’ll definitely perch at finch feeder with tray, or even hop on a perch itself. The new-fangled spiral feeders offer a bit of both! Birds run the spiral instead of feeding from individual perches, and they have optional seed trays too.
So don’t forget your finches once they’ve turned brown! Keep feeders fresh and consider a heated bath to help them through winter!
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wonderfully vibrant finch feeders
Spring migrations can bring the coolest birds around. Not that we don’t enjoy our resident bluebirds, cardinals, chickadees and other usual suspects, but there’s something really exciting when one of these migratory visitors graces your yard. When one thinks “finch” it’s commonly the house, gold, or purple finch (who’s more red than purple) that come to mind.These blue birds happen to be finches too. Indigo buntings’ vibrant plumage is just as electrifying as goldfinches’ lemony hue is during peak summer season. You’ll find buntings at finch feeders, and honestly it’s hard to miss that color. They go for tiny seeds found in finch mixes, as well as nyjer (or thistle) seed.
Their visits are always brief with us, moving further north for suitable breeding grounds. Painted buntings may also be seen at finch feeders, but we’ve spotted them only one time. So maybe it’s not the feeders themselves that are so colorful, but the spring migratory birds who frequent them… be on the look-out! -
hawk finds a finch bird feeder the perfect perch
He sits, waits and watches, almost on a daily basis for the past few weeks. This guy is huge too, a Sharp Shinned Hawk on the prowl for a quick meal, and pickin’s are good in a yard where there’s lots of feeders and birdbaths. The call is blood-curdling prior to landing, all songbirds scatter… fast! Luckily there’s also good cover for protection from such predators, but one must be be quick!Lately he’s been perching on the finch bird feeder, a good central spot offering spanning views of the yard and unassuming victims. Last week when I looked out, there were actually two hawks, (a double omg!) so one must be a juvenile. They’re so darn big it’s hard to tell!
The last few days I haven’t seen them, but have witnessed strange behavior from the Blue Jays. They’re screaming wildly and loud, almost as if to mimic the hawks. Someone once mentioned Jays will do this to keep hawks away. Well, if that’s the case, then bravo to these smart birds who some find to be a nuisance.
By the way, this feeder is fitted with a 30″ Seed Hoop which catches waste and attracts some other birds who never use the feeder itself.
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