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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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Does This Look Like a Finch Feeder To You?
Not even close! Doesn’t look anything like a finch feeder…no tube, no thistle, no perches. It’s really a woodpecker feeder.
Then why is this little goldfinch chowing down here? The dull plumage gives a hint – it’s the dead of winter and the suet sure does taste good. Look at the giant chuck in his mouth! Peanut suet with lots of fat and protein with extra calories to help keep warm.
Funny thing is, the large finch feeder stays in the yard year-round, filled with thistle seed. But when the temperatures really start to drop, suet is the preferred food of many feathered friends. Now that spring has sprung, that large thistle bird feeder gets filled twice a week, and the finches are eating me out of house and home!
Thanks to my friend for this great photo in my yard.
- 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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