[birdfeederproject]

Hello,
I am a design student in Boston and my current assignment is to build a bird feeder. I do not know much at all about birds or birding, so this is where I need your help. The feeder must be designed for native New England birds, so any advice about these birds eating habits would be great. I want it to be both aesthetically pleasing and also very functional for bird watchers/lovers.

What would you look for if you bought a feeder?
What are the problems that you have seen with conventional feeders?
Does the color of a feeder or the material matter at all to the birds?


Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated.

note: the project is not to build a squirrel proof feeder.


Thank you,
Lowell

[Shirl]

Hi there Lowell :-)

Why don't you try browsing garden and bird blogs in your area. You could then ask via comments or email.

Shirl

[manelson]

Hi,

I am from Southern Ontario so I can give a few pointers for feeders in your area. Just my opinion of course! All those nice wooden feeders get chewed and destroyed by squirrels so they tend to be a bad investment. The ugly metal ones work just great!!!

As far as feed goes on a limited budget, find the biggest bag of black sunflower seeds and that will do the trick for most species. As you get more advanced more feeders and more variations of food work best. Internet research here is the best way to go.