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Why Are Finch Feeders So Popular This Time of Year?
The Wild Canary, aptly nicknamed for their vibrant summer plumage are out and about in droves this time of year. With electric yellow feathers, they’re pretty hard to miss.One of North America’s favorite songbirds, the American Goldfinches’ nesting season is now winding down, and tons of babies and adults populate the yards of those who have finch feeders. Preferring nyjer, (or thistle seed) it is fed to babies almost exclusively.
With their gentle nature and very sweet character, Goldfinches are not the kind to fight at crowded finch feeders. They will usually just give up and fly away. There’s an easy and effective way to accommodate more birds without having to buy costly feeders. Thistle Socks, or bags are the perfect way to offer more feeding space to these sweet birds.
The mesh bags usually have a draw cord for closure and hanging. They’re refillable and birds really love them! Generally in white nylon mesh, there are variations like holiday-themed finch feeders, and the newer ones are available in black, which offers a striking contrast with goldfinches color.
Remember to leave finch feeders out year-round, as these birds will overwinter locally. Their plumage fades a bit to a dull, olive-drab color in winter, but you can bet on that fabulous, bold yellow hue come warmer months! -
Thistle Socks Make Great Nyjer Feeders
Because American Goldfinches have such a sweet disposition, they’d rather just give up and fly away than compete at nyjer feeders. With their breeding season just about to start, you can bet feeders will be crowded soon. Fledglings pretty much eat nyjer exclusively, so parents will be chowing down!Adding a few thistle socks will help keep up with demand at this busy time of year. These nyjer feeders are inexpensive and very convenient when compared to most feeders, and some improvements have even been made to this old favorite.
The black thistle sock shown here has a stronger mesh which gives the feeder longer life. The draw cord at top keeps seed and feeder more secure. The cool thing is the black color because Goldfinches vibrant lemon yellow plumage gives a great contrast against the black sock. They really do to show up better – for a better bird watching experience. The thistle socks are available in several weight capacities, they really do make for great nyjer feeders!
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Not So Boring Nyjer Bird Feeders
Traditionally, nyjer or thistle seed has preyty much been confined to the tube feeder…but it doesn’t have to be. Nowhere is it written in stone that nyjer bird feeders must be tubular in design!And here’s one I don’t really understand: caged nyjer feeders. Not many larger birds enjoy thistle seed. Right now there’s a spell (brief I can only hope) of the peskiest starlings in my yard and they don’t go near the nyjer bird feeder. Squirrels don’t like either, and that’s one of the beauties of feeding this non-germinating seed.
The stained glass and copper bird feeder shown here holds approximately 5 pounds of nyjer seed, which is a generous capacity. And unlike tube feeders, there’s never any clumping, damp seed at the bottom to be tossed and wasted. This feeder is hand made and absolutely gorgeous! The wooden Songbird Lanterns are stylish Nyjer Bird Feeders with modern architectural appeal. The attached pine cone even serves as an extra treat when suet is added to it.
Ditch the tubes if you’re looking for something truly unique, with quality that will last for years. Nyjer Bird Feeders make wonderful gifts for any backyard birder or nature enthusiast…for any occasion! A gift to be used daily, that gives back to nature, and is enjoyed by birds and their hosts alike. Never any worries of re-gifting with a high quality bird feeder!
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