Bird feeders are an excellent way to attract birds into your surroundings. They are a way of insuring that your feathered friends are cared for and visiting you all year long. The tips found on this page will insure that you and the birds are happy all year long. First, you must decide what type of bird you are looking to attract. This will determine what type of bird feeder you are going to get. Below, are some common styles:

• Platform feeders attract birds that feed from the edge. They have a long, narrow platform that minimize contamination of the feeding station. They attract species such as cardinals, blackbirds and wrens.

• Suet feeders come in many styles but all styles have something in common. They are all designed to hold suet cakes. Usually, they have a wired cage that has a platform or perch in front. The birds, then, are able to peck at the suet from the front of the feeder. Among birds attracted to this type of feeder are mockingbirds, creepers, woodpeckers, jays and bluebirds.

• Tube feeders look like long cylinders that hold seed. The feeders are surrounded by perches and feeder holes at different levels. Usually, there is a platform at the bottom of the feeder to catch loose seed and give the birds extra perching space. Among birds attracted to this type of feeder are woodpeckers, finches, chickadees and titmice.

• Hummingbird feeders do, exactly, what the name says. They feed hummingbirds. They are filled with liquid hummingbird nectar or a simple mixture of sugared water. It enables hummingbirds to drink with their long bills. The feeder should have a bottom tray to catch spills and provide sufficient feeding space.

Notwithstanding, what species of birds you would like to attract, some general rules apply to all birdhouses when looking for a bird feeder. These guidelines will insure that your birds stay happy and healthy and that your feeder lasts through many a season:

• The bird feeder should be weather-resistant. If the wooden feeder is your preferred medium, cedar and redwood are among the best. Care should be taken to insure the feeder is not lumber that has been chemically treated and that painted surfaces do not chip. If a metal feeder is your medium, care must be given so that the metal is not in direct sunlight as it can get overheated for the birds.

• Also, consideration should be given so that the bird feeder is easy to clean and can be easily filled. Feeders that are shaped like boxes should have removable roofs. This will enable you to pour seed in easily and remove leftover shells. Tube feeders and other long, narrow feeders should have tops and bottoms that are removable. This will make it convenient to run water through it in order to keep it clean.

The right feeder will make your yard a popular visiting site for your feathered friends all year round and give you many hours of pleasure bird watching.