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 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. 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. 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. What criteria should I use when selecting a bird feeder? Here are some of the most
