Will I find only finches at my finch feeder?
No. Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Mourning Doves, Juncos, Towhees, and Cowbirds are all attracted to thistle seed.
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Do all backyard birds need a perch to feed?
No. Some birds such as Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Woodpeckers, Finches and Pine Siskins "cling" and do not need a traditional perch to sit and dine. Other birds do need a traditional "post" style perch to feed.
Many Opus feeders allow you to choose whether you want to use a traditional or "ladder" type clinging perch. One added benefit to not using a perch is that it helps to discourage many of the larger birds, such as Crows, Grackles, Starlings, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, etc. from overwhelming your feeder.
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How do I discourage squirrels?
Here are a few simple and effective suggestions for keeping the squirrels off your feeder.
When hanging your feeder from a tree branch, try and locate it at least twelve feet from any tree trunk or limb and at least four feet up from the ground. This will prevent squirrels from either jumping from the tree or up from the ground onto the feeder. When hanging the feeder off a line, make sure the length of line is at least 8' long with the feeder suspended at least four feet above the ground or snow. You should also use a very thin wire, such as piano wire, whenever you hang your feeder.
If you choose to pole mount your feeder; make sure the pole is at least 5 1/2 feet in length. This will allow you to place the pole approximately one foot into the ground and still keep the bottom of the feeder four feet off the ground. You may also want to add a squirrel baffler. We recommend one that is at least 16" in diameter like the TopFlight Universal Squirrel Guard.
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How do I discourage raccoons?
Raccoons do not jump but they do climb. Try placing a 6" diameter stove pipe, at least 2' long, around the mounting pole.
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What is the best location for my feeders?
Ideally a sheltered southeastern exposure. Birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind. They also prefer not to have any obstructions over their feeding area so as to be able to see an attacking predator.
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What criteria should I use when selecting a bird feeder?
Here are some of the most important:
- Seed level viewing. You should be able to know when the feeder is empty.
- Capacity. The larger the capacity the less frequently you will have to refill the feeder.
- Placement. You will need to decide whether you want a hanging or pole mounted bird feeder.
- Materials. Bird feeders can be made out of plastic, metal, glass and wood. Each material offers its own advantages. These advantages should be weighed against their cost.
- Removable perches. Removing the perches discourages larger birds.
- Seed saver tray. A tray can minimize wasted seed. It should also be easily removed for cleaning.
- Easy to fill and clean.
- Number of feeding stations. The greater the number of feeding stations the more birds can sit and dine at one time.
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Why does the seed in my feeder get moldy?
Mold is caused by a heavy rain, driving sleet or snow plugging the feeding ports and allowing water to dampen the seed. Always clean, dry and refill your feeders after heavy weather. You may also want to try placing 1/4" of cat litter in the bottom of the feeder to absorb excess moisture.
Should I feed all year round and why?
Yes. As with the fall and winter, spring and summer are also important times of the year to feed the birds. Spring time feeding provides the supplemental nourishment birds need to recover from migration. Summertime feeding helps reduce the stress of nesting at a time when natural seed supplies are at their lowest.
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Will birds feet stick to a cold metal perch?
Ornithologists have determined that birds have no sweat glands in their feet and therefore with no persistent moisture, will not adhere to metal feeder perches.
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Should I have more than one feeder in my yard?
A greater variety of feeders and seed will attract a greater variety of birds.
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Why do birds fly into our windows?
The window reflects a mirror image of the surrounding environment. An object on the window, such as a window mounted feeder will let them know there's a surface in front of them.
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Why should I have a birdbath? Why is water so important?
All birds need water for drinking, bathing and play.
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How durable is terra cotta outside during the cold winter days?
We suggest you bring terra cotta birdbaths inside when the temperature drops below 30°F. Even though the baths may be glazed, moisture can get into the clay pores, freeze and cause the clay to expand and crack. This is not a problem with ceramic feeders, as they have drain holes and do not trap water.
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