Newsletter Archives

Sales & Specials

We've decided to run a special on a handful of products. Act now on the following "Hot Buys" because the special ends on Monday, December 12th. Be sure to check out all of our exciting specials by visiting the Hot Buys department regularly.

Clearance

A few of our deeply discounted items appear below. These items feature exceptional savings and value but are not all of our sale items. More discounted items may be found in their corresponding departments. Be sure to check out some of our other exciting deals by visiting the Clearance department regularly.

Introduction to Bird Feeding

Bird feeding has increasingly become a favorite pastime for many people. It not only brings lovely birds into your garden, it also is a way to help wildlife thrive. Getting nature-loving friends and family interested in bird feeding can be a fantastic gift and lifelong hobby. By choosing the appropriate seed, feeder type, and feeding station placement for your or your loved ones’ area, you can truly offer a perfect and lasting gift.

Determining which birds frequent your area is an excellent starting place on your path to bird feeding success. Songbirds throughout the United States and Canada, such as cardinals, grosbeaks, and chickadees, readily enjoy black oil sunflower seed, whether in the shell or hulled. A seed blend containing these ingredients is perfect for most songbirds as well. Finches, siskins, and titmice prefer thistle or nyjer seed, and bluebirds and robins dine on mealworms and fruit regularly. Jays, woodpeckers, and tanagers will use suet feeders, for a different option. We have found that seed blends containing fruit or suet nuggets are enticing to suet, fruit, and seed eating birds. By regularly observing your area or using a birding guide, you can determine what birds live in your yard, and what to feed them.

Once the birds in your area have been identified, and you have ascertained what they like to eat, it is time to choose the proper feeder for them. A platform or tray feeder, also called a bird table, is accessible to almost all birds and can hold any type of feed you wish. These are excellent for viewing a wide variety of birds, particularly those that feed on the ground often, like doves and juncos. A tube feeder, with a center reservoir and ports along the body, is a favorite of flickers, nuthatches, and titmice when full of safflower or sunflower seed, or mixes containing these seeds. Other tube style feeders have smaller ports, for holding thistle seed, for feeding finches and chickadees. Hopper style feeders, with a center reservoir and feeding area on the base, combine the features of tube and tray feeders. Many even have suet cages on the sides, for jays, woodpeckers, goldfinches, and cardinals to all enjoy. Feeders for fruit have stakes to hold the feed, and you will often find small dishes on mealworm feeders. Oriole feeders are made to hold nectar, and some have vessels for jelly or more spots for fruit. Small cage type feeders are made to hold suet cakes or seed cakes for bluebirds and kinglets.

After you have decided on the birds, feed, and feeder you wish to use, proper placement is your next step. Many feeders are designed to be hung, and can be attached to a sturdy branch, shepherd hook, or bracket. Other feeders include poles, and some have flat bases to attach to a post so they can be placed in your yard. Once placed, accessories such as squirrel baffles, seed trays, and bird baths can further attract birds and enhance your outdoor enjoyment.

The bevy of choices regarding bird feeders and types of feed can be a bit overwhelming to the beginning hobbyist. A few basic tips, however, can easily help you find the perfect setup. Determining which birds you want to see, and where you plan on placing your feeder, will help you choose the right feed. Once that is decided, the feeder options will be much clearer. We have a wealth of birding options on our site in our Wild Birds department. For narrowing your selection we developed the Bird Feeder Finder. For more personal assistance, feel free to call one of our customer service representatives toll free at 877-562-1818 from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.