The Cardinal Bird Feeder - What Works Best?8926284
The intention of a cardinal bird feeder, of course, would be to attract the cardinal. This bird, of course, is probably the single most well-liked bird for backyard bird watchers. However, to the dismay of many, there really is no cardinal feeder per se. But, the bird definitely has both feeder and seed preferences. Let's take a look!
First, what doesn't work that well.
The tube feeder is quite popular. However, don't make the error of thinking it a preferred of the cardinal. I've been watching birds for years and years and I can tell you with total certainty that this is not your very best option for the cardinal. He has virtually no neck and is forced to turn his entire body sideways to eat 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 frequently if you do this. Just maintain in mind that Droll Yankees trays fit Droll Yankees tube feeders Elements trays match Aspects tube feeders Bird Quest trays match 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 won't see many cardinals (or any other birds for that matter). Keep in mind the objective of a tube feeder is to provide 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 objective of the tube.
So what does work?
A proper 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 basic hopper feeder is a great choice as a cardinal bird feeder. So is any fly-through bird feeder (a fly-through feeder is open on all sides and has ample space). Also, platform feeders on the ground are perfect 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 cautious! Many bird feeders do not do what the manufacturer claims.
The Droll Yankees squirrel proof feeder known as the whipper is designed to be a cardinal feeder. The curved perch is a great innovation that accommodates the bird completely. The Brome Care "squirrel buster" squirrel proof feeder, with its detachable ring, also serves the bird, although the bird does not seem as comfortable on this feeder as he does on the whipper (make no mistake, although, 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 have a tendency not to eat.
If you don't have these pests floating about, any high quality bird seed will do. Black oil sunflower seed and sunflower hearts (chips) are favorites of the cardinal. He'll eat most blends, as well but do not use big box blends--they're full of filler that birds do not eat.
I've seen cardinals consume fruit--you'll need 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 basics." I recommend either a wooden hopper feeder or a fly-via platform feeder serve as their cardinal bird feeder.
