Finches (Backyard Bird Feeding Guides)

Finches (Backyard Bird Feeding Guides)

Learn to Attract and Feed Your Favorite Birds The bold yellow color of the male American Goldfinch is a welcome sight in any summer garden. And the pleasing songs and high-pitched calls of all the finches truly bring your yard to life. With insights from acclaimed naturalist Stan Tekiela, learn what seeds to provide to keep finches coming back and which feeders they prefer and why. Find out how to make your yard into a habitat they will visit, and enjoy finch photographs, trivia and quick tips. This book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates finches and wants to attract and feed them. Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the author of more than 175 field guides, nature books, children’s books, wildlife audio CDs, puzzles and playing cards, presenting many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, trees, wildflowers and cacti in the United States. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 25 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. Feeder Types Nyjer Feeder: Usually a long tube-shaped feeder constructed of fabric, metal mesh or plastic tubing. Tiny holes allow the slow release of the tiny seeds. Sock-like cloth bags are also popular Nyjer feeders. Tube Feeder: A clear plastic tube with metal openings for accessing seeds, and pegs for perching. Small to large sizes hold different amounts of seeds. Some varieties have a bottom tray for spilled or extra seeds, which finches use as a landing platform and for perching. Hangs from a shepherd’s hook or sets on top of a post or pole. Platform, Tray or Ground Feeder: Also called a fly-through feeder. Usually has a flat, open surface for seeds. Hangs from a series of wires or chains, rests on a central post or pole, or sits on the ground with the bottom of the tray around 12 inches off the ground. Made of wood or metal and often has a series of holes or slots for drainage. Some have a protective roof. Window Feeder: Made of lightweight plastic or wood. Suction cups adhere the feeders to windows for close-up viewing. See the Food & Feeder Quick-chart on pages 40–41 for all the good finch foods you can use in these feeders. Placing Feeders Feeding finches is fun and easy, so put feeders where you can easily enjoy them. They should be in areas near your home where you spend a lot of time and in places where you can see outside clearly and comfortably. Most feeding stations are about 20–40 feet away from residences. Placing feeders closer draws a wide variety of finches to where you can see them more easily. The closer the feeders, however, the more likely you will have window strikes. Feeders close to shrubs or other cover give finches a place to stage and look for predators before flying in to feed. Plant cover also gives them a quick place to hide in case a hawk swoops in. Feeders in the middle of large open spaces work well for large flocks of finches. The flock often flies around and around the feeders before all the birds land together. Place feeders where squirrels can’t get to them. The basic placement rule is 5 feet and 8 feet―meaning feeders should be at least 5 feet off the ground and at least 8 feet from any other surface from which a squirrel can jump. This includes trees, houses, sheds, outdoor grills, birdbaths, patio furniture and anything else a squirrel can climb to jump onto feeders. When placing feeders, be sure to install a squirrel or raccoon baffle on each one. Baffles are metal tubes that prevent these animals from climbing your shepherd’s hooks and accessing the bird food. Remember to do some ground feeding. This style of feeding attracts many finch species, so you’ll want to scatter seed around your feeding station, but not in your flower garden. The constant scratching by the birds and the mat of hulls that accumulates will kill any plants you are trying to grow. Choose a place where seed waste won’t kill the grass. Perhaps landscape an area of the yard dedicated to bird feeding with rocks, shrubs and a water element. Multiple feeders bring in larger numbers of finches. in fact, the more tube and Nyjer feeders you have, the more finches you will attract.