The Cardinal Bird Feeder - What Works Best?3621529
The intention of a cardinal bird feeder, of course, would be to attract the cardinal. This bird, of course, is most likely the single most well-liked bird for backyard bird watchers. However, to the dismay of many, there truly is no cardinal feeder per se. But, the bird definitely has each feeder and seed preferences. Let's take a look!
First, what doesn't work that nicely.
The tube feeder is fairly popular. Nevertheless, don't make the mistake of considering it a favorite of the cardinal. I've been watching birds for years and years and I can inform you with complete certainty that this is not your best choice for the cardinal. He has practically no neck and is forced to turn his whole body sideways to eat from a tube. In addition, he's just a smidgen too big for most perches.
Some people will advise you to add a tray to the bottom. Granted, you will see the bird more often if you do this. Just keep in mind that Droll Yankees trays match Droll Yankees tube feeders Elements trays match Aspects tube feeders Bird Quest trays fit Bird Quest tube feeders.
Do you know which brand you have?
Also, keep in mind that trays attract lots of other birds like grackles and starlings. If these birds go to your tube feeder, you will not see many cardinals (or any other birds for that matter). Keep in mind the objective of a tube feeder is to offer for small birds like the tufted titmouse and Carolina chickadee.
Add a tray, in come the medium and large birds, away go the small birds-just like that, you've defeated the objective of the tube.
So what does work?
A proper cardinal bird feeder is any feeder whose design accommodates the cardinal's preference to "bend at the hip" or not at all when feeding. You want a feeder that doesn't force the bird to turn its body. A basic hopper feeder is a fantastic option as a cardinal bird feeder. So is any fly-via bird feeder (a fly-through feeder is open on all sides and has ample space). Also, platform feeders on the ground are perfect cardinal feeders.
There are manufacturers of feeders who describe their product as "cardinal feeder." The no-no is one such instance. Though this feeder does accommodate the cardinal, be cautious! Many bird feeders do not do what the manufacturer claims.
The Droll Yankees squirrel proof feeder called the whipper is designed to be a cardinal feeder. The curved perch is a great innovation that accommodates the bird completely. The Brome Care "squirrel buster" squirrel proof feeder, with its detachable ring, also serves the bird, though the bird does not appear as comfy on this feeder as he does on the whipper (make no error, though, the Brome Care Product is equal and even superior to the Droll Yankees product in many methods).
Seed
What seed should you feed the cardinal? Hands down, safflower. This is a bitter tasting seed that squirrels, grackles and starlings tend not to eat.
If you don't have these pests floating around, any quality bird seed will do. Black oil sunflower seed and sunflower hearts (chips) are favorites of the cardinal. He'll eat most blends, as well but don't use big box blends--they are full of filler that birds don't consume.
I've noticed cardinals eat fruit--you'll require a fruit feeder for this.
So, what is my preferred cardinal bird feeder?
You know, my advise to bird watchers desiring to attract cardinals to "get back to basics." I recommend either a wooden hopper feeder or a fly-through platform feeder serve as their cardinal bird feeder.
