The Best Bird Feeders

HOW TO CHOOSE = The criteria for the best bird feeders is really subjective. It all depends on what you want – keep squirrels from eating the contents, or not (after all, they have to eat too); feed small birds, or large, or both.

Capacity should be considered. The larger the feeder, the less you have to fill it, but the heavier it will be to hang. Look for a feeder that is easy to fill and re-hang.

Find a feeder that will be easy to clean. This should be done 5 or 6 times a year to prevent contaminated seed or unsanitary feeding conditions that can make the birds sick.

Choose a feeder with durable plastic and rust-resistant metal so it will withstand bad weather. If you want to prevent squirrels from raiding the seed, get a feeder with a snug-fitting lid that they can’t pry open. And the seed ports should be reinforced with metal so they can’t gnaw on them.

Check to see that the seed will be kept moving toward the ports somehow. And the interior should get some ventilation. These 2 features will help keep seed fresh.

THE REVIEW = The Best Squirrel-Preventing Bird Feeder for Small Birds is the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus. This has a weight-sensitive perch that closes the feed ports when squirrels or heavy birds step on the perch.

The perch length is adjustable and can be extended to attract medium-sized birds. This bird feeder holds 3 quarts of seed in a clear plastic tube. It is durable and easy to clean, and keeps seed dry and fresh. The list price for this model is $75.

Other top performers include:

Best Feeder for Cardinals = Droll Yankee Whipper @ $85.

Best feeder for larger birds = Arundale Sky Café @ $60.

Best price found in Dec. ’09 and again in May, '10 = Amazon.com, but not much selection there. Home Depot is close in price and offers more variety.

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