Birdwatching has become quite popular, and it’s fun to see how many different species there are in your area. If you have found that you love to watch birds and want to attract them into your garden, you probably have a bird feeder and may have wondered what kind of feeder is best. Of course, the answer to this question partially depends on what kind of birds you want to attract, but assuming you’re interested in observing the largest variety of species possible, consider purchasing a tray feeder, also called a platform feeder. Besides leading lots of feathered friends into your yard, another benefit of this feeder is that it’s easier to clean than other closed-off types.
Tray bird feeders usually have a flat bottom where the seeds are spread thin, as well as a roof to protect the birds and seeds from weather conditions. If you choose this kind for your yard, be sure to put multiple types of birdseed in the feeder to attract many different species of birds. Using this type of feeder will also allow you to see more birds at one time, since many species can visit and still have a place to feed.
Why tray bird feeders are easier to clean
You don’t want a big mess to be made by birds feeding at your feeder. This can attract multiple different unwanted pests such as rodents and can even damage your lawn. You also don’t want the feeder to be difficult to clean, because then it won’t get cleaned very often, and it will take a lot of time to complete this simple task. Tray or platform feeders are considered ultra-simple to clean compared to most other kinds. They typically have a mesh bottom to allow the majority of the mess to fall through. Further, to assist in protecting the birdseed and food in the tray from mold and the elements, consider one with a roof covering. If your model doesn’t have a roof, regularly dump out the remaining seeds, wash the feeder, and fill it with new seeds.
It’s important to clean and disinfect your bird feeders every couple of weeks. Start by scrubbing off any debris with soap and water, then make a nine-to-one part water and bleach solution. Soak the tray and any parts of the feeder you can in the solution for about five minutes, then dry completely before replacing. It’s important to do this, otherwise birds can spread diseases.
How a tray feeder attracts more birds
Because of its design, tray or platform feeders can accommodate multiple types of food for many types of birds. They also provide ample space for a variety of feathered friends to eat at the same time. You can put birdseed in it as well as fruits, corn, nuts, mealworms, or suet. In a platform feeder you might see blue jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, cardinals, goldfinches, orioles, robins, and many others. Check to see what species live in your area and what they like to eat so you can incorporate the right types of birdseed to attract your favorites.
With tray feeders, there’s a ledge for perching all around the feeding tray, which will also keep most of the food inside. You should not overfill it or put things like pastries, breads, cereals, or popcorn in it. Otherwise, you’ll attract unwanted birds like house sparrows and European starlings, two species that can carry diseases and act aggressive towards other birds. To keep pests like squirrels away, consider using safflower seed. The biggest variety of birds will be attracted to platform feeders in your backyard, so if you have a tree to hang one in, why not try it out?
