We are heading into late September and here in the Puget Sound region that means things are going to get even wetter. The rainy season adds an additional complication to our bird feeding. Keeping your seed dry can become a frustrating endeavor. Still, with a little effort and the proper equipment, you can make the winter a little easier for your backyard birds.
The first tip I would give is to stop putting out nyjer (thistle) or greatly reduce the amount you use. Nyjer takes on moisture very fast and is very hard to keep dry. I think the only way it will work in the winter is to put out no more then the birds will consume in a day. Another option might be to mix a bit in with other seed like a sunflower chip. The finches and siskins love sunflower just as much as nyjer and I think it takes on water a little less quickly. Although, since the sunflower meat has been removed from the shell it will become wet fairly quickly so it is still a good idea to only put out what the birds will eat in a day.
Another great idea is to put a dome over your feeder. Aspects and Droll Yankees make domes designed to fit their tube feeders. These can go a long way towards protecting your feeder from the weather and may even work as a squirrel baffle. Some hopper feeders may also fit under the dome so don't feel left out if you aren't using tube feeders. Come on down to The Wild Bird and I can show you what we have.
Aspects tube feeder with dome.
A feeder with it's own roof can also help to keep the rain off your seed. The following feeder from Countryside Culture is a great example of this. Every yard should have a tray feeder and this one is a style that will work all year long. The only change I make with our platform feeder is that I manage how much seed I put out each day. If I'm doing it right, the feeder will be empty by the end of the day and we can refresh it each morning.
Countryside Culture Large Two Post Fly-Thru Feeder
Heritage Farms also makes a nice hopper style feeder that offers great weather protection. This feeder can be hung from a hook or mounted on a post.
Heritage Farms Seeds 'N More Feeder shown with an optional seed catcher
And finally, there is the All Weather Feeder. The AWF is the Cadillac of wet weather feeders. It is a fantastic design that does everything possible to separate the seed from the elements. We use one at home and the chickadees love it!
The All Weather Feeder
Hopefully this information gives you a few ideas on how to continue feeding the birds throughout our rainy winter. Please feel free to come down to the shop if you have any questions.
Aspects tube feeder with dome.
Countryside Culture Large Two Post Fly-Thru Feeder
Heritage Farms Seeds 'N More Feeder shown with an optional seed catcher
The All Weather Feeder
