American Goldfinch is one of the most adored birds by the garden birders. This is due to its amazing colors, engaging song, and eagerness to feed on the nyjer feeder. And with all that, when should you put out feeders for the American Goldfinch?
You need to put out a feeder for the American Goldfinch late into the Spring. It’s at this time that the bird molts and the process takes tons of energy. Thus, by feeding them, you supply them with the energy they require.
I’ll explore the American Goldfinch feeding habits, the feeder’s height, and the reasons as to why the birds avoid you, feeder. With these, you’ll know how to attract them. Let’s get started!
What’s the Best Food for Goldfinches?
Goldfinches love the small seeds like those from teasels, dandelions, and ragwort. The birds can also feed on the invertebrates and they are frequent guests to the bird feeders. The different types of tree seeds they eat comprise birch and alder.
Moreover, they relish dandelion and thistle seeds. In case you want to attract the birds to your yard, you need to give them niger seeds. This is more of the bird’s favorite.
Many birds are turning to the yard bird feeders. This is due to the natural food sources declining. Also, several garden owners provide the birds with sunflower and niger seeds that they enjoy most.
What Time of the Year Do You Put Finch Feeders Out?
You need to put the feeders out during the late Spring season. You should be ready for significant activity at your bird’s feeder when they molt during Spring and also the fall. Molts do take lots of energy and as a bird feeder, you help give an easy energy source.
The nyjer seeds will enable these birds to visit the yard feeder. At this time you can see the male birds. Those with black and bright yellow color mix.
Still, the birds can be lured to the feeders throughout the year by offering them food to feed on. The thistle feeders should be specially designed since the nyjer seeds are very tiny.
What Height Should a Goldfinch Feeder Be?
A goldfinch feeder’s height should be roughly between five to six feet. This is the most common height for feeders. Thus the birds can be able to take their food at a low level, that is the level of the eyes.
However, you should also ensure the feeder is at a height where the birds are more familiar and comfortable. And when it’s at a safe height, this may attract many species and can host different flock. Birds are mostly adapted to various niches and they take advantage of the distinct sources of food.
Therefore this implies they can naturally eat from different levels where the meals are easy to access and are in plenty. Most of the birds that eat seeds can feed from the ground or at lower heights in shrubs or bushes where they may find the seeds. A feeding level isn’t a hard rule for the majority of the birds.
They can easily eat at different heights if the meal attracts them. The birds always shift their diets based on the type of food available at certain times. And they can also adapt to a variety of feeder levels as well.
You need to consider convenience when it comes to the feeder. If the bird feeder is very high, you will need a ladder to help you anytime you need to refill it or do some cleaning. When a bird feeder is too convenient, the birds can neglect it and it won’t be a reasonable resource for the hungry ones.
Hence the five to six feet height is not so far for most of the birders. This is high enough and with a decent feeder design for the birds to be safe. Birds will most probably find the feeders regardless of the height they are.
And selecting a convenient and safe level ensures you and your birds appreciate the feeder more.
Why are Birds Not Coming to My Bird Feeder?
- You Aren’t Safeguarding the Feeder
Different kinds of wild animals can raid a bird’s feeder before the birds have an opportunity to take the food. For instance, the bears, rats, squirrels, deer, and raccoons. They will reach the feeder, eat and even deplete the food supply.
Besides, they may crash the feeder and this can lead to the birds not being able to eat. With an exposed feeder, it can result in the birds being susceptible to predators the moment their senses get dulled by feeding. The birds wouldn’t like to share a space with the other animals who may hurt them.
And if you reside in a neighborhood where animals like cats are often present, this might not be a good locale for the feeder. If possible, you can choose to move the feeder to a safe part of your garden like an enclosed part of the yard.
- The Bird Feeder Is Not Clean
Who said wild birds are not choosy? It’s always a bad idea to assume the birds are not selective about tidy feeders. A dirty bird feeder can get wet and clog or the bad seeds may transmit infections to the birds.
This can spread to the whole area with the flock. A filthy bird feeder is further exposed to wear and damage. Thus, it makes it less helpful and needs frequent replacements or repairs.
- Natural Food Is In Abundance
Truth be told, even though you may give wild birds every sort of delicious food you can think of, most of them like the natural foods in their environs. This is how nature is and it has been happening for many years. And it can be because of the mild winter season and the surplus of natural diets elsewhere.
Hence, the feeders do have to wait for some time. This is until the birds need them, therefore you shouldn’t think this is your problem.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to understand how to attract the American Goldfinches. When you know the right time to feed them, coupled with a standard feeder’s height and safety precautions, you’ll often see the birds in your backyard. All you need even as you implement all the requirements is patience, and hopefully, you’ll have fun watching the birds!
