The Cardinal Bird Feeder - What Works Very best?5596901
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. Nevertheless, to the dismay of many, there truly is no cardinal feeder per se. But, the bird certainly has each feeder and seed preferences. Let's take a look!
First, what doesn't work that well.
The tube feeder is fairly well-liked. However, do not make the mistake of thinking 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 virtually 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 much more often if you do this. Just maintain in mind that Droll Yankees trays match Droll Yankees tube feeders Aspects trays fit Elements tube feeders Bird Quest trays match Bird Quest tube feeders.
Do you know which brand you have?
Also, maintain in mind that trays attract lots of other birds like grackles and starlings. If these birds visit your tube feeder, you will not see many cardinals (or any other birds for that matter). Keep in mind the purpose 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 purpose of the tube.
So what does work?
A correct 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 great choice 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 ideal cardinal feeders.
There are manufacturers of feeders who describe their product as "cardinal feeder." The no-no is one such instance. Although this feeder does accommodate the cardinal, be careful! 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 fantastic innovation that accommodates the bird perfectly. The Brome Care "squirrel buster" squirrel proof feeder, with its detachable ring, also serves the bird, although 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 about, 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 eat.
I've noticed cardinals consume fruit--you will need a fruit feeder for this.
So, what is my favorite cardinal bird feeder?
You know, my advise to bird watchers desiring to attract cardinals to "get back to basics." I suggest either a wooden hopper feeder or a fly-via platform feeder serve as their cardinal bird feeder.
