Cardinal Bird Feeder: How to Attract and Care for these Brilliant Birds
One of the most beautiful birds both to the eye and ear, a cardinal displays with its striking bright red color and melodic song, to many bird fans a favorite to look at or to listen to. To have that beauty visiting your backyard it would be quite useful to put a proper kind of bird feeder there. Cardinal bird feeders are developed taking into consideration the habits and preferences associated with the feeding of the birds. The article covers features of an ideal cardinal bird feeder, tips to attract cardinals, and maintain a bird-friendly environment.
Knowing Cardinal Feeding Habits
Cardinals are medium-sized songbirds that feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. They prefer to feed from elevated platforms because they feel safe from their predators there. On the other hand, cardinals, unlike most smaller birds, are rather big birds that need special feeders. It should be large enough to hold this size but should make feeding easy. One may enjoy a pure expression of nature by watching them feed.
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Selecting the Best Cardinal Bird Feeder
There are various considerations while selecting a cardinal bird feeder. Cardinals require sturdy and spacious feeders that allow their bird size to fit the feeding area comfortably. The best performing feeders, especially for comfortable roosting of the birds, are feeders with wider perches or tray-like feeding platforms.
Ground-feeding birds would like feeders installed around the ground or one that has a solid base. Meanwhile, feeders with a moderate height would offer cover to the bird from the predators. For cardinals, the best feeders are the hopper feeders, platform feeders, and other tube feeders with big perches.
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Food for Cardinals
The key to attracting cardinals to your feeder is by offering their favorite foods. Black oil sunflower seeds are number one on this list, because they are easy to crack open and have high nutritional value. Safflower seeds are also a great choice because cardinals love them, but most other birds and squirrels tend to avoid them.
Aside from cracked corn, peanuts, and berries, these birds enjoy seeds. Some combination of food sources will invite more cardinals to your feeder. The conserving of the birds’ energy in suet cakes that involve seeds and fruits during the coldest months results from their availability.
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Tips to Attract Cardinals
A feeder alone will not be sufficient to make the environment attractive to an attractive cardinal. Cardinals typically find shelters and places for safety haven. They become safe with shrubs, trees, or even hedges by their feeding place.
Another way to attract cardinals is a source of fresh water, whether it’s in the form of a birdbath or a fountain. The birds drink from it but will also bathe in it, so placing your water source next to the feeder will make your yard a one-stop shop for these birds.
Since cardinal birds are territorial, scattering feeders all over your yard might offer a lot of birds a place to stay without ever having a fight with the cardinals. Also, lightly used feeders keep the cardinals at ease and very well tolerated.
Taking Care of Your Cardinal Bird Feeder
Proper maintenance of a bird feeder would be very vital for the visiting birds. Frequent cleaning by warm soapy water will ward off diseases to the birds visiting there. Thoroughly wash the feeder with warm soapy water and make sure it completely dries up before filling in new food items.
Maintain the feeding areas around a bird feeder free of spilled seed and debris, potential pests, and unsanitary conditions.
In cold regions, food stock must not freeze up. Snow and ice must be removed from feeders.
The Cardinal’s Thrill
It is quite amazing when cardinals grace your yard with their presence. Their bright red plumage adds to the brilliance of any location. Their cheer is an added attraction in that it provides for serenity. The feeding and social interactions of cardinals in an orderly manner help instill appreciation for nature and subtle interaction of wild life.
Conclusion
You can easily attract these beautiful birds to your yard with the use of a cardinal bird feeder. Knowing their habits and lifestyle, with the right food, one can enjoy the company of cardinals all through the year. Whether you are an experienced bird watcher or a beginner, their existence in your yard would brighten up your day.
Fahad Mustafa is the passionate mind behind AvianFeather.com. He shares valuable insights, tips, and fascinating facts about birds, helping enthusiasts connect with and understand our feathered friends better. Dive into the world of avian wonders!
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