There is nothing quite like watching wild birds visit your backyard. The right bird feeder can make your yard more inviting to a variety of beautiful songbirds while giving you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature up close. But with so many types of bird feeders available, how do you choose the right one? Consider the Birds You Want to Attract Different birds prefer different foods and feeding styles. If you enjoy watching cardinals, chickadees, titmice, and other seed-eating birds, a hopper or platform feeder filled with quality mixed seed can be an excellent choice. If finches are among your favorite backyard visitors, consider a thistle or nyjer seed feeder. These feeders are designed for the small seeds that finches especially enjoy. For woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and other birds that enjoy suet, a suet feeder is a great addition to your backyard feeding station. And if hummingbirds are what you hope to attract, a hummingbird feeder filled with fresh nectar is the way to go. Think About Your Backyard Where you place your feeder is just as important as the type of feeder you choose. Look for a location where you can easily see the birds from a window, but also provide nearby trees or shrubs where birds can seek shelter. Keeping feeders clean and providing fresh food regularly will also help create a welcoming environment for your feathered visitors. Consider Squirrel Resistance Squirrels can be entertaining to watch, but they can also quickly empty a bird feeder. If squirrels are a problem in your yard, look for a feeder with squirrel-resistant features, such as spring-loaded perches or weight-sensitive mechanisms. A squirrel-resistant feeder can help keep more of your bird seed available for the birds you want to attract. Make Birdwatching Part of Your Everyday Life Choosing a bird feeder doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the birds you would like to see, choose food they enjoy, and select a feeder that works well for your yard. Once you begin attracting birds, you may find yourself discovering new species and spending more time enjoying the simple pleasure of backyard birdwatching. At Wild Bird Mercantile Company, we love helping bird lovers create welcoming spaces for wild birds. Whether you're looking for a hopper feeder, suet feeder, thistle feeder, hummingbird feeder, or another type of backyard bird feeder, we're happy to help you find something that fits your birdwatching needs. Happy birdwatching!