Bird Feeding Tricks and Tips


Downy Woodpecker - Tail Prop Suet Feeder

Offering Suet

  • Store suet cakes in the freezer before using them. This makes them easier to slip into feeders.
  • When using a WBU Tail Prop Suet Feeder, leave the suet cake in the molded plastic to force birds to feed on the side facing your viewing window.
  • Are starlings hogging your suet? Our EcoTough® Upside-Down Suet Feeder allows birds to feed from below, a comfortable practice for clinging birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, but difficult for starlings.

EcoTough Ground Feeder

Attracting Ground-feeding Birds

  • Ground-feeding birds, such as juncos, Song Sparrows and White-crowned Sparrows, are typically more abundant during winter.
  • Offer a blend with millet and sunflower seeds (their preferred seeds) in a covered ground feeder.
  • Place the feeder near shrubs or another kind of "windbreak" to provide your ground-feeding birds a safe place to hide, digest their food and escape from windy/snowy conditions.

EcoClean Finch Feeder

Attracting Finches

  • Use a WBU EcoClean® or Quick-Clean® Finch Feeder, and refill from the removable bottom. This helps prevent clumping and promotes “first seed in/first seed out” rotation since finches tend to eat from the top down.
  • Shake your finch feeders periodically to make sure the seed inside is dry.
  • Place your finch feeder away from feeders where larger birds are feeding. This allows the smaller finches to access the feeder without feeling intimidated by larger birds.
  • It may take goldfinches a while to get used to a new feeder, even if you have previously fed the birds. Tie some yellow ribbon to your feeder to make it more visually attractive to goldfinches.
  • If you notice finches waiting to eat, offer a perch that allows you to see them better as they wait.