The Cardinal Bird Feeder - What Functions Best?1715648
The intention of a cardinal bird feeder, of course, would be to attract the cardinal. This bird, of course, is probably the single most popular bird for backyard bird watchers. Nevertheless, to the dismay of many, there really is no cardinal feeder per se. But, the bird certainly has both feeder and seed preferences. Let's take a look!
First, what doesn't work that nicely.
The tube feeder is fairly popular. However, don't make the error of considering it a favorite of the cardinal. I've been watching birds for years and years and I can inform you with total certainty that this is not your best choice for the cardinal. He has practically no neck and is forced to turn his whole body sideways to consume from a tube. In addition, he's just a smidgen as well big for most perches.
Some people will advise you to add a tray to the bottom. Granted, you will see the bird more often if you do this. Just keep in mind that Droll Yankees trays match Droll Yankees tube feeders Aspects trays match Elements tube feeders Bird Quest trays fit Bird Quest tube feeders.
Do you know which brand you have?
Also, keep in mind that trays attract lots of other birds like grackles and starlings. If these birds go to your tube feeder, you will not see many cardinals (or any other birds for that matter). Keep in mind the purpose of a tube feeder is to offer for small birds like the tufted titmouse and Carolina chickadee.
Add a tray, in come the medium and large birds, away go the small birds-just like that, you have defeated the purpose of the tube.
So what does work?
A correct cardinal bird feeder is any feeder whose design accommodates the cardinal's preference to "bend at the hip" or not at all when feeding. You want a feeder that does not force the bird to turn its body. A fundamental hopper feeder is a great option as a cardinal bird feeder. So is any fly-via bird feeder (a fly-through feeder is open on all sides and has ample space). Also, platform feeders on the ground are ideal cardinal feeders.
There are manufacturers of feeders who describe their product as "cardinal feeder." The no-no is one such example. Although this feeder does accommodate the cardinal, be careful! Many bird feeders do not do what the manufacturer claims.
The Droll Yankees squirrel proof feeder called the whipper is designed to be a cardinal feeder. The curved perch is a great innovation that accommodates the bird perfectly. The Brome Care "squirrel buster" squirrel proof feeder, with its detachable ring, also serves the bird, though the bird does not seem as comfortable on this feeder as he does on the whipper (make no error, though, the Brome Care Product is equal and even superior to the Droll Yankees product in many methods).
Seed
What seed should you feed the cardinal? Hands down, safflower. This is a bitter tasting seed that squirrels, grackles and starlings tend not to eat.
If you do not have these pests floating about, any quality bird seed will do. Black oil sunflower seed and sunflower hearts (chips) are favorites of the cardinal. He'll consume most blends, too but don't use big box blends--they're full of filler that birds do not eat.
I've seen cardinals consume fruit--you'll require a fruit feeder for this.
So, what is my preferred cardinal bird feeder?
You know, my advise to bird watchers desiring to attract cardinals to "get back to fundamentals." I recommend either a wooden hopper feeder or a fly-through platform feeder serve as their cardinal bird feeder.
