We configured an inverted reptile cage topper in a cedar frame as a platform, beneath multiple suet and seed/nut feeders. The reptile cage topper is an enamel painted steel mesh, and with 2 drawer handles just lifts out for cleaning. We don’t heap seed on it, but add small quantities more often. And yes, it supports the weight of a squirrel. But as you stated, a platform exposes those feeding, so squirrels must stay vigilant. Juncos come in at night, even later than cardinals-sometimes overlapping with flying squirrels. Platform goes when bears resume activity, and feeders get raised up another 6 feet.
I have a tall deck with enough room underneath for a vehicle. I use the squirrel proof feeders along a support another 6 feet above the decking, that end also has built in seating. The Birds scatter seed with falls to the benches that all the larger birds use that are excluded from the weight sensitive feeders above. Further I scatter only hot seeds on the bench and deck keeping the squirrel’s at bay.
My tray feeder from Backyard Bird Center is by far my most used feeder. I put safflower and in-shell peanuts in the feeder. Doves, cardinals, house finches, and others frequent this feeder.
Tray feeders are probably my favorite. In addition to allowing the birds better visibility of their surroundings, they also allow us better visibility of the birds.
I don't know about stores in your area. Here is a link to the feeders on our online store: shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/collections/ground-trays and the dove guards: shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/collections/dove-guard
This is the first I'd ever read or heard about a cardinal's feeding tendencies due to their color. I had always suspected that was why they preferred an open feeding area. Now I know for sure. I have two tray feeders (that I made) that do get dominated by the doves, which is why I have a tower feeder (that I also made) that has 10 feeding stations, giving the smaller birds a place to feed. I also have a covered "house" feeder (yes, I made it, too) that the doves try to get to but is more accommodating to the smaller birds. Everybody has a place to eat. I also have a squirrel feeder (yup, I made it) to try and keep them out of the bird feeders. All the bird feeders hang somewhere so it's a bit of a challenge for the squirrels to get to. For the most part, they use their own feeder (filled with peanuts, pecans or walnuts) and stay away from the bird feeders. They do love the black oil sunflower seeds though. I have a large seed cake cage (nope, I didn't make that) that hangs off of a large branch of our tree. It doesn't hang very far so the squirrels will hang from the branch and pick out the seeds and then get back up on the branch and eat. Another way of keeping the squirrels away from the other bird feeders. We only have a few squirrels in our neighborhood so it's not too much of a problem, overall.
I am experimenting with one on my deck railing. I feel the dove guards will work. It may take the birds a little while to adjuct but once the chickadees figure it out, the rest should follow.
Hi, I have over 20 white wing doves on the tree or the open tray feeder that made my woodpeckers are very difficult to use it. The cage open feeder is too small for the woodpeckers. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.
@@sandygoodavish5142 I would use a mesh peanut feeder or a suet log for the woodpeckers. Dove can’t negotiate either of those and woodpeckers and other tree clingers love them.
How do I keep the starlings away? They are such a nuisance. I used to use sizzle and heat to keep the squirrels out but I switched to a mix of black oil/safflower but now the squirrels are back, seems like I just can’t win. I live in south central PA.
My go to for starlings is a caged feeder. They work against grackle and starlings. The cages do need to be far enough away to the seed inside that they cannot get too it by stretching their necks into the cages. Some have luck with safflower. Starlings do not like it as much as sunflower and especially peanuts.
What tray bottom would you suggest for millet feeding in cold Montreal winters? I want something safe for the birds and wanted to stay away from coatings (like with mesh) but I heard that the bird's feet might stick to the perforated steel in the winter. I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you:)
@@ellecools Welcome to the channel. Almost all of my feeders have wire mesh bottoms. While rare things can happen, it would be extremely rare for a birds feet to stick to a surface. They are covered with scales that repel water quickly. I’m glad you are enjoying the videos.
@@MarksBackyardBirds I'm glad to hear it:) Is the mesh on your tray feeders powder coated? I've seen that on others and I don't know if it is a good thing or not. Thanks for your response!
Will a tray feeder offer an alternative to ground feeding? My neighbor will NOT keep her cat indoors and I'd love to hang a tray feeder for those larger birds if it will help them stay safe.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
We configured an inverted reptile cage topper in a cedar frame as a platform, beneath multiple suet and seed/nut feeders. The reptile cage topper is an enamel painted steel mesh, and with 2 drawer handles just lifts out for cleaning. We don’t heap seed on it, but add small quantities more often. And yes, it supports the weight of a squirrel. But as you stated, a platform exposes those feeding, so squirrels must stay vigilant. Juncos come in at night, even later than cardinals-sometimes overlapping with flying squirrels. Platform goes when bears resume activity, and feeders get raised up another 6 feet.
I love those fitted hoods. I have one and I love it.
@@BBRubyT They work so well
Thank you for your always helpful suggestions and advise!
You are welcome, thanks for watching!
Thank you! Helpful info
Thank you Kathy. I am glad you found it helpful!
I have a tall deck with enough room underneath for a vehicle. I use the squirrel proof feeders along a support another 6 feet above the decking, that end also has built in seating. The Birds scatter seed with falls to the benches that all the larger birds use that are excluded from the weight sensitive feeders above. Further I scatter only hot seeds on the bench and deck keeping the squirrel’s at bay.
@@almostafarm01 Great plan
Awesome video ❤
@AndrewJR66 Thank you for the recommendation!
@ you’re welcome 😇
My tray feeder from Backyard Bird Center is by far my most used feeder. I put safflower and in-shell peanuts in the feeder. Doves, cardinals, house finches, and others frequent this feeder.
It’s great to hear it’s working for you!
Tray feeders are probably my favorite. In addition to allowing the birds better visibility of their surroundings, they also allow us better visibility of the birds.
Very true!
Have had the large tray with round dome cover for years. Cardinals love it👍👏. Protected by being on covered patio.
Cardinals are definitely a welcome sight at the feeder!
great video Mark,here in ontario where can i get that ground feeder with shroud
I don't know about stores in your area. Here is a link to the feeders on our online store: shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/collections/ground-trays and the dove guards: shopbackyardbirdcenter.com/collections/dove-guard
I Love my dove guards on my Hilltop Feeders. I wondered what happened to video @ 7:00 it was too short with no talking.
@@shirleywilhelm1495 I have no idea what happened. I had to totally reload it. So sorry
This is the first I'd ever read or heard about a cardinal's feeding tendencies due to their color. I had always suspected that was why they preferred an open feeding area. Now I know for sure.
I have two tray feeders (that I made) that do get dominated by the doves, which is why I have a tower feeder (that I also made) that has 10 feeding stations, giving the smaller birds a place to feed. I also have a covered "house" feeder (yes, I made it, too) that the doves try to get to but is more accommodating to the smaller birds. Everybody has a place to eat.
I also have a squirrel feeder (yup, I made it) to try and keep them out of the bird feeders. All the bird feeders hang somewhere so it's a bit of a challenge for the squirrels to get to. For the most part, they use their own feeder (filled with peanuts, pecans or walnuts) and stay away from the bird feeders. They do love the black oil sunflower seeds though.
I have a large seed cake cage (nope, I didn't make that) that hangs off of a large branch of our tree. It doesn't hang very far so the squirrels will hang from the branch and pick out the seeds and then get back up on the branch and eat. Another way of keeping the squirrels away from the other bird feeders. We only have a few squirrels in our neighborhood so it's not too much of a problem, overall.
It sounds like a bird feeding paradise. I certainly do not have the skills to build feeders myself. I'm glad you found the video helpful.
Thanks Mark. Actually been looking at a fly through platform feeder. Concerned about the squirrels. Dove guard might be the answer.
I am experimenting with one on my deck railing. I feel the dove guards will work. It may take the birds a little while to adjuct but once the chickadees figure it out, the rest should follow.
yesterday I fed ten birds and 100 squirrels
Ugh!
watching from uk granny eileen
Hi Granny Eileen!
Hi, I have over 20 white wing doves on the tree or the open tray feeder that made my woodpeckers are very difficult to use it. The cage open feeder is too small for the woodpeckers. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.
@@sandygoodavish5142 I would use a mesh peanut feeder or a suet log for the woodpeckers. Dove can’t negotiate either of those and woodpeckers and other tree clingers love them.
How do I keep the starlings away? They are such a nuisance. I used to use sizzle and heat to keep the squirrels out but I switched to a mix of black oil/safflower but now the squirrels are back, seems like I just can’t win. I live in south central PA.
My go to for starlings is a caged feeder. They work against grackle and starlings. The cages do need to be far enough away to the seed inside that they cannot get too it by stretching their necks into the cages. Some have luck with safflower. Starlings do not like it as much as sunflower and especially peanuts.
What tray bottom would you suggest for millet feeding in cold Montreal winters? I want something safe for the birds and wanted to stay away from coatings (like with mesh) but I heard that the bird's feet might stick to the perforated steel in the winter. I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you:)
@@ellecools Welcome to the channel. Almost all of my feeders have wire mesh bottoms. While rare things can happen, it would be extremely rare for a birds feet to stick to a surface. They are covered with scales that repel water quickly. I’m glad you are enjoying the videos.
@@MarksBackyardBirds I'm glad to hear it:) Is the mesh on your tray feeders powder coated? I've seen that on others and I don't know if it is a good thing or not. Thanks for your response!
@@ellecools They are not powder coated.
@@MarksBackyardBirds Great. Thank you!
Will a tray feeder offer an alternative to ground feeding? My neighbor will NOT keep her cat indoors and I'd love to hang a tray feeder for those larger birds if it will help them stay safe.
@@grammasworld Many ground feeders will use open trays.
The birds love them and the squirrels even more‼️‼️‼️🤬