Platform feeders are the simplest and easiest feeders to use. Simply spread the feed of choice on the feeder and your done.
Platform feeders can be hung, mounted high with a pole, or placed near the ground. Several commercial designs are available and it is very easy to make your own.
Some platform feeder designs can be used to feed fruit or other food items, in addition to seed.
This platform feeder uses recycled materials for the sides. A wire mesh bottom lets rain water drain out.
What you should know
- Platform feeders probably attract a greater variety of species than any other design.
- The open design also makes it easy for flocks of grackles and starlings to consume large amounts of seed in a short time.
- Some platform feeders can be easily raided by squirrels.
Consider more options:
- Dome feeders: Dome feeders are useful for protecting birdseed from rain and snow. They are typically used by smaller birds, such as finches and chickadees, who can cling to the sides of the feeder.
- Hopper feeders: Hopper feeders are useful for holding larger quantities of birdseed, and they can be used by a variety of bird species, including jays, cardinals, and grosbeaks.
- Peanut feeders: Peanut feeders are useful for holding peanuts, they are typically used by birds such as woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches.
- Suet feeders: Suet feeders are useful for holding suet cakes, which are high-energy food sources that are particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
- Tube feeders: Tube feeders are useful for holding small seeds, such as nyjer, and are typically used by finches and other small birds that can cling to the sides of the feeder.
- Window-mounted feeders: Window-mounted feeders are useful for people who have limited space in their yards. These feeders are versatile and are available in different configurations.
- Bird feeders with a camera – Bird feeders with cameras use a relatively new technology, but these feeders allow you to easily identify all the different birds that visit your feeder.