Choosing a Decorative Bird Feeder that Delight the Birds and You!

Decorative bird feeders are a wonderful addition to any backyard bird sanctuary. They add color and interest to your home’s landscape and create an interesting palette for the birds. There are so many to choose from and your choices are only limited by the time, energy and money you are willing to invest in searching the internet and small town America’s favorite crafters for the bird house of your dreams.

How to Choose a Decorative Bird Feeder:

There are decorative bird feeders available for tastes of all kinds, including the birds! Large, small and anywhere in between you can choose from the practical to the sublime. Support your local team or indulge your favorite architectural style, choosing a decorative bird feeder is almost as much fun as watching the birds become acquainted with it. Here are a few things to consider.

If you are interested in choosing a bird feeder that the bird feeders will actually use and one that will last more than a season, then you will want to consider how the bird feeder is designed and what it is made of. Many handcrafted bird feeders are more a work of art than a useful, functioning bird feeder. It is important to find a decorative bird feeder that combines the best of both function and style.

Choosing a Bird Feeder Style:

The style and construction of a bird feeder will determine the type of bird that uses them. A platform bird feeder will attract ground feeders and large birds, such as Cardinals and Doves, although most common back yard birds will use a platform feeder.

Hopper bird feeders come in a wide variety of styles and shapes and attract a wide variety of birds and they can hold a wide variety of bird seeds including sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, mealworms and peanut pieces. Both the platform feeder and the hopper bird feeder are commonly used as the basic design for decorative bird feeders.

Tube bird feeders are a popular choice among homeowners. They attract all types of backyard birds and hold a variety of seed types including nyjer or thistle seed which will attract finches. You will find many decorative tube bird feeders among your choices for a hummingbird feeder.

Choosing a Bird Feeder Material & Design:

Decorative bird feeders can be made of anything imaginable. Among your choices will be wood, copper, ceramic, glass, and plastic.

Wooden bird feeders should be made from stained, painted or weather resistant wood to avoid rotting and deterioration. They should also be easy to clean. A clean bird feeder makes for happy, healthy birds. Make sure any wooden decorative bird feeder you purchase is of sturdy construction and durable enough to hold up over time.

Copper and stainless steel bird feeders are also a popular choice. An inexpensive copper feeder will discolor quickly. A heavy duty, quality copper or stainless steel bird feeder will feel heavy and come with some form of guarantee.

Ceramic bird feeders are beautiful and interesting in design. If properly painted and fired they will hold up well in the weather. The biggest drawback to a ceramic bird feeder is its susceptibility to breakage. Still, in a ceramic bird feeder you will find some of the most unique designs and colors.

Enjoy Your Choice!

Whatever you choose in a decorative bird feeder be sure to hang it securely and clean it often. This will prolong its life and give you the maximum amount of enjoyment. Fill it often and that will give the birds the maximum amount of enjoyment!