This is just me, but I THINK it's the seed/food you offer that attracts them? I have a large covered platform feeder, hanging feeders, tray feeders as well as suet feeders, both mounted and hanging. I've had a lot of success with all of them. I put them where I can see them. I'm interested to see what the others think? :)

I have to agree with builder. I also think that it's what you feed that brings them in.

Bigger is not better but,...heaving more small one's around your yard might bee good.

Why...less fighting, less risk of contamination of food from bird droppings, different seeds in each feeder for different species etc.
This year I might try another hummingbird feeder because these birds are very territorial.

Konrad

I have a larger feeder and you would think it would be the most used. My small hopper feeder by far gets the most activity. It's for the smaller birds but the Cardinals have gotten use to it and a couple of days ago had a Red-Wing Blackbird stop in for a snack. Seldom see them here.

BTW, I only serve Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. Have found it attacts the most songbirds.

Jean
NW GA

Thaks for the info, I appreciate the help.

The Forum is a great help, I've been learing a lot.

oops, meant to say, learning a lot!

I have a small feeder. I buy seed from Walmart...Nut N' Berry, sunflower chips, and Porch N' Patio (largely a nut blend). I mix these together. Some goes in the feeder and some on the ground. Putting some on the ground keeps the squirrels, starlings, jays, towhees, mockingbird, doves, etc. from climbing all over the feeder. On the feeder I have, bluebirds, cardinals, finches, kinglets, titmouse, chicadees, woodpeckers, etc. I honestly think it's primarily the seed choice that brings so many different birds, but, I also think trying to keep the bigger/more aggressive birds on the ground is a good idea too. The smaller/more timid birds can feed with some measure of peace.

I have a small feeder. I buy seed from Walmart...Nut N' Berry, sunflower chips, and Porch N' Patio (largely a nut blend). I mix these together. Some seed goes in the feeder and some on the ground. Putting seed on the ground keeps the squirrels, starlings, jays, towhees, mockingbird, doves, etc. from climbing all over the feeder. On the feeder I have, bluebirds, cardinals, finches, kinglets, titmouse, chickadees, woodpeckers, etc. I honestly think it's primarily the seed choice that brings so many different birds here, but, I think trying to keep the bigger/more aggressive birds on the ground is a good idea too. The smaller/more timid birds feed peacefully.

I have a suet log with home-made suet mixture and 2 small feeders that are filled with BOSS (black oil sunflower seed). I sometimes throw seed and tidbits on the ground, and of course some BOSS falls to the ground, so the ground feeders and squirrels are happy. In the winter, I hang a suet cage on the Oak tree filled with raw suet.

I actually like the fact that the BOSS feeders are small, because it it awkward for the larger birds to use these feeders. This gives the smaller birds an advantage.

There seems to be something for everybody, and it's hard for any one thing to be monopolized (although the Pine Siskins are quite numerous this year and they are quite feisty for such a tiny bird and try to chase other birds off the BOSS feeders).

Thanks so much for the help, lots of great info.

Sounds like small feeders can be very useful, and it's interesting to hear about the wide variety of birds that will come to a feeder.

I heard a woodpecker outside today, but have not seen one at my feeder yet... still hoping...

The type and size of feeders does allow different birds to eat. Cardinals will visit platform feeders and larger hoppers, so will doves, blue jays, mockingbirds, etc. Tube feeders attract the finches.
Marnie

I would definately go for a variety over a larger feeder. My hopper style feeder is actually the least favorite of all my feeders. It is always the last to be emptied. The tube feeders are the finches favorite. Everybody else seems to prefer the open tray style feeders or feeding off of the ground. Suet feeders and peanut feeders will help you attract that woodpecker, they really like the sunflower too. Black oiled sunflower is the best feed for attracting the most and largest variety of birds by far. I do buy cracked corn and a mix too because they are cheaper and I have a large population of doves, and in the spring, summer, redwinged blackbirds and grackles. They will eat the cheaper seed and it helps cut the cost a bit. Otherwise they'd be perfectly happy to fill up on black oiled sunflower too! LOL