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By Jim Bywaters
Rappahannock News Writer
Those of us serious about bird feeding place incredible demands on our feeders, which has caught the attention of the manufacturers. Heavier, durable high-impact plastic tubes have replaced cheap plastic tube feeders.
Pine or particleboard feeders, which did not weather well, have been replaced by hardwood or cedar.
Some manufacturers have created feeders from recycled plastic, aluminum, and other metals. Quality feeders in a variety of styles are available in all price ranges.
Consumers have demanded that their bird feeders be easy to fill, easy to clean, and hold a large volume of seed. In some cases they have also demanded that feeders only accommodate certain birds.
Manufacturers have listened, and today there are more good choices than ever.
While some manufacturers have concentrated on making a better tube feeder, others offer specialty feeders. Specialty feeders might include woodpecker feeders that offer suet or nuts, oriole feeders that offer fruit or nectar, and bluebird feeders that allow mealworms to be offered.
Any feeder designed with a particular bird species, family or particular bird food in mind can be considered a specialty feeder. Ten years ago there were few specialty feeders available commercially, today there are dozens of styles. Both squirrel-proof and squirrel-friendly feeder designs are popular.
The demands of the public have convinced the major birdseed producers to improve their products. While there are still examples of junk-filled seed being sold, most packaged seed products contain a reasonable mix of seeds. Buying seed starts by reading the list of ingredients or contents on the package before buying. Manufacturers and those that package seed are required to list this information, including what percentage is waste material or “other,” which can
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