Advice from 30 Years of Helping Backyard Birdwatchers
Walk into the Los Gatos Birdwatcher on any given day and you’ll hear a familiar question: “What’s the best bird feeder?”
After helping thousands of customers create bird-friendly backyards over the years, we’ve learned that there isn’t just one “best” feeder. The right feeder depends on the birds you’d like to attract, your yard, and how much time you want to spend maintaining it.
Here are some questions we get most often:
What are our favorite bird feeders?
We prefer feeders that are built to last—not just for a season, but for many years. And feeders that are fully supported by the manufacturer.
Some of our favorite feeders include:
Squirrel Buster Classic by Brome – One of the best feeders available that prevents squirrels from getting to the seed. It’s durable, easy to clean, and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Aspects Tube Feeders – One of the few feeders still made in the USA. It is built with thick polycarbonate that stands up to years of weather and hungry birds.
Aspects HummZinger Feeders – Our favorite hummingbird feeders because they’re incredibly easy to clean, allow you to see the nectar, and designed with the birds’ health in mind.
Birds Choice Oriolefest – For attracting orioles offering spaces for nectar, jelly, and orange slices.
Other quality feeders – We believe it’s better to buy one quality feeder that lasts for years than replace inexpensive feeders every season.
What’s the advice we give new customers?
Start simple. Many people think they need several feeders right away, but a quality feeder, fresh seed, and a little patience is all it takes to get started.
Keep feeders clean. Fresh seed, regular cleaning, and placing the feeder where birds feel safe will bring you far more success than simply buying a larger feeder.
If someone is just getting started, what feeder should they buy?
For most Bay Area backyards, we recommend starting with a quality tube feeder. A tube feeder filled with fresh sunflower chips or another quality blend like “Pure Patio” attracts an impressive variety of birds, including chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and finches. Tube feeders are easy to maintain, use seed efficiently, and are a good all-around feeder for beginners.
Is feeding birds different in California?
Absolutely. California’s mild climate means many people feed birds year-round rather than seasonally. Our customers also enjoy an incredible diversity of birds, from Anna’s Hummingbirds that stay all year to Acorn Woodpeckers, California Scrub-Jays, Bushtits, Oak Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, and colorful migratory visitors. We also help customers manage squirrels and crows, so choosing durable, squirrel-resistant feeders can make a big difference.
What makes a quality bird feeder?
Quality feeders often cost more initially but usually save money over time because they last so much longer. A quality feeder should:
Be easy to fill and easy to clean.
Stand up to years of sun and weather.
Protect seed from moisture.
Offer replacement parts instead of requiring a whole new feeder.
How do I discourage squirrels?
The Squirrel Buster Classic is one of our favorite feeders designed to keep squirrels out. Hot pepper suet works against the sensitive palates of squirrels. Birds do not feel the heat. Squirrels do. We have a tipsheet here stay all year to Acorn Woodpeckers, California Scrub-Jays, Bushtits, Oak Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, and colorful migratory visitors. We also help customers manage squirrels and crows, so choosing durable, squirrel-resistant feeders can make a big difference.
What makes a quality bird feeder?
Quality feeders often cost more initially but usually save money over time because they last so much longer. A quality feeder should:
Be easy to fill and easy to clean.
Stand up to years of sun and weather.
Protect seed from moisture.
Offer replacement parts instead of requiring a whole new feeder.
How do I discourage squirrels?
The Squirrel Buster Classic is one of our favorite feeders designed to keep squirrels out. Hot pepper suet works against the sensitive palates of squirrels. Birds do not feel the heat. Squirrels do. We have a tipsheet here for ways to distract squirrels.
How do I attract the greatest variety of birds?
Start with one quality tube feeder to get yourself started and add a hummingbird feeder if you would like more variety. We also offer Dove & Quail mix that can be thrown out on the ground. And adding a bird bath to your yard is a sure way to attract more birds.
What is the biggest mistake beginners make?
Buying a cheap feeder. Lower-quality feeders often crack in the sun, are difficult to clean, or break after just a season or two. Also smaller birds can get caught in poorly designed feeders.
One thing we’ve learned after decades of helping bird lovers…
People often think bird feeding is about the feeder. It isn’t. The feeder is simply the invitation. Fresh food, clean feeders, fresh water, nearby native plants, and a little patience are what transform a backyard into a place birds return to day after day. And keep cats indoors where they can do no harm to your wildlife.
If you’re not sure which feeder is right for your yard, stop by the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. We’d love to help you choose the perfect feeder for the birds you hope to welcome.