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Platform Bird FeederThe platform bird feeder--its strength is its weakness, its advantage its disadvantage. But first, what is it?It's many things--a ground feeder, a pole mount feeder, a hanging feeder. It can be attached to a window or a deck. The size can range from large (18 x 24 inches ) to quite small (8 inches by 10 inches). There are metal, wood and plastic models of this feeder. Most importantly, its "wide open structure" will grant optimal access to wildlife.. What will eat from it? Desirable birds that may visit....
BUT
Undesirable birds that may visit....
And mammals will come, too! Potential visitors include....
Placed on the ground, this feeder will give access to the greatest variety of wildlife. You'll bring some control if you hang or pole mount the feeder. Regardless of where you place it, best to use safflower seed unless you really enjoy swarms of grackles and starlings (some bird watchers will try to isolate these pests by placing a ground platform bird feeder away from their main station. In this case, use black oil--it's cheap). Backyard Nature Group boasts a wooden platform feeder with great drainage! They offer ground, hanging and pole mount models. Duncraft has a tough model that features a wire guard of sorts that works well to prevent:
If you are in the market for this feeder style, understand that it's a great supplement to a station, but not essential.
If you purchase such a feeder, be sure it has great drainage to prevent the seed from rotting. Fill it upand enjoy the swamp of activity!
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