The Platform Feeder

When it comes to the platform feeder, versatility rules the day! This style of feeder will attract nearly all species of birds, though you can bring some control based on

whether you elevate it or not and
your seed choice.

In general, this feeder style is wide open and sports very short walls (a couple of inches). If well designed, the feederwill drain well, which prevents seed from molding.

With the exception of thistle , you can put any seed in the platform feeder, but what you're intention may well dictate your choice. You intention willalso dictate whether or not you place the feeder

on the ground or
in the air (dangling or pole mounted).

I have a platform feeder both on the ground and elevated (pole mounted). However, if you want want GREAT views of the birds (this feeders single greatest strength), then I suggest you use it at an elevated pitch and fill it with safflower. Backyard Nature Group Fly Thru

This will control grackles and starlings, but make no mistake, the doves will come in droves! This is why a place one model on the ground and fill it with white millet (which is cheaper than safflower). Doves are one of the easiest birds to divert and they'll gladly move to the ground and eat millet.

A few other notes.

Use a platform feeder year round! It's a great component of any station. There are tons of companies making them, but as with most of my wooden feeders, I prefer Backyard Nature Groups product the best. Their fly-thru model is quite good looking and more importantly, has superb drainage.

Their ground feeder also has great drainage. Both are made of cedar which weathers really well. Of course, they screw together their product as apposed to using glue and nails. These guys really know how to make feeders.

I hope you found this article about the platform feeder useful. Click here for more great information about bird feeders and bird houses.