A large platform bird feeder is nice because it can attract a wide variety of birds with a good variety of seeds and other foods. Such feeders can attract ground birds and flight birds, feeding a wide array of wildlife. Birds have come to depend on people to help them through the winter months, especially, as they seek food, water and protection. A platform bird feeder and heated bird bath, when strategically placed, can fill all of these needs. As some birds near extinction, putting forth this small effort is the least we can do.
Foods for Platform Bird Feeders
Of course you can fill a platform bird feeder with seeds. You can use a single seed or a variety mix, but you can also add more than just seeds. Birds will also appreciate it if you leave nuts, fruits, suet and bread products. Leaving such foods is especially helpful to backyard birds in the winter who have trouble finding food on their own.
How to Build a Simple Platform Bird Feeder
With a few spare pieces of wood, some wood glue, nails, a hammer and some paint, you can create your own unique platform bird feeder to decorate your yard and feed many wild birds. Just assemble the wood in such a way that the birds have a landing area, a covering to shelter them from harsh weather conditions and three sides for the same reason. Drill a hole near the top and drill a screw in it to attach it to the top of a tree or pole, or tie a sturdy rope through the hole and tie it to a tree branch. Of course the birds won't hold a grudge if you buy an already completed bird feeder either.
Placement of a Platform Bird Feeder
Where you place your platform bird feeder makes a big difference. You want to be sure the birds can eat safely from the feeder without the threat of wild animals, like raccoons or cats, sneaking up on them. Placement also matters in the type of birds your bird feeder will attract. If you hang it from an open tree area, you are likely to get typical backyard bird visitors, like robins and sparrows. However, if you place the platform bird feeder in a safe area that is open with bushes or hedges to create an added level of security, you may attract cardinals, bluebirds, chickadees, finches, tanagers and ground-dwelling birds.
