The Cardinal Bird Feeder - What Works Best?3893565
The intention of a cardinal bird feeder, of course, would be to attract the cardinal. This bird, of course, is probably the single most popular bird for backyard bird watchers. However, to the dismay of many, there truly is no cardinal feeder per se. But, the bird definitely has both feeder and seed preferences. Let's take a look!
First, what does not work that nicely.
The tube feeder is quite popular. However, do not make the error 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 option for the cardinal. He has virtually no neck and is forced to turn his entire body sideways to eat from a tube. In addition, he's just a smidgen too big for most perches.
Some individuals will advise you to add a tray to the bottom. Granted, you will see the bird much more frequently if you do this. Just keep in mind that Droll Yankees trays fit 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, 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). Maintain in mind the objective of a tube feeder is to provide 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 fundamental hopper feeder is a great choice as a cardinal bird feeder. So is any fly-through 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. Though this feeder does accommodate the cardinal, be careful! Many bird feeders do not do what the manufacturer claims.
The Droll Yankees squirrel proof feeder known as the whipper is designed to be a cardinal feeder. The curved perch is a great innovation that accommodates the bird perfectly. The Brome Care "squirrel buster" squirrel proof feeder, with its detachable ring, also serves the bird, though the bird does not seem as comfy on this feeder as he does on the whipper (make no mistake, although, the Brome Care Product is equal and even superior to the Droll Yankees product in many ways).
Seed
What seed should you feed the cardinal? Hands down, safflower. This is a bitter tasting seed that squirrels, grackles and starlings have a tendency not to consume.
If you don't have these pests floating around, any high quality bird seed will do. Black oil sunflower seed and sunflower hearts (chips) are favorites of the cardinal. He'll consume most blends, too but don't use big box blends--they're full of filler that birds do not consume.
I've noticed cardinals consume fruit--you'll need 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 fundamentals." I recommend either a wooden hopper feeder or a fly-through platform feeder serve as their cardinal bird feeder.
