I am a bird lover. Come on, how can you resist the beauty of such nature’s wonder? Every day, no matter how busy I am, I always make sure to spend time for my hobby: attracting these adorable creatures to my garden and feeding them with the best food possible.
One species that I have fallen in love with is the beautiful cardinal bird. In order to better draw these birds to my back yard, I have done careful research to find out the most suitable cardinal bird feeder for my beloved feathered friends.
Below is my cardinal bird feeder review, which consists of 10 products that I deem worth the investment.
If you would like to learn more in detail, please continue to read.
1. Best Window Bird Feeder with Strong Suction Cups & Seed Tray
Bird watching is an enjoyable activity, isn’t it? And what’s more enjoyable than comfortably drinking coffee in your house while still being able to witness the magnificent scene of these creatures having their little party through the window?
Nature’s Hangout cardinal bird feeder is made from transparent, see-through acrylic to allow birders to observe their winged visitors while carrying out their daily chores. Now, you are able to indulge in your bird-watching hobby for as many hours as you like!
Nature’s Hangout bird feeder is able to store more food thanks to its large size (11.8 x 5 x 4 Inches), which enables it to hold 4 cups of bird seed. In addition, it is designed to add convenience to cleaning with its durable, weather-resistant and easy-to-clean tray, which can be quickly removed to be refilled without having to take off the whole bird feeder house.
What I really love is the feeder’s ability to provide a comfortable, yet safe feeding place for your adorable guests. You can place it on the window so as to put it out of those pesky squirrels’ reach without worrying about the cardinal bird feeder falling off the window thanks to its three powerful suction cups. The comfortable perch design results in an irresistible resting place for your birds, while the protective cover shields them and the seed inside from rain and snow. Furthermore, if you previously had problems with seeds getting wet, Nature’s Hangout is able to resolve that dilemma with its mold-free drainage holes, which are meant to keep bird seeds all the time and prevent mold.
To sum up, I believe Nature’s Hangout is one of the best cardinal bird feeders in terms of quality, design and safety. Just try it – I’m sure you will not be disappointed!
2. Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/Cardinal Ring & 6 Feeding Ports
Truly living up to its name, Squirrel Buster Plus cardinal bird feeder is designed to prevent squirrels from stealing the bird seeds inside. If a squirrel attempts to jump on the feeder, its weight will make the shroud closed, which means your bird seeds are now completely safe. Not to mention, the feeder is made from chew-proof RoxResin, which denies squirrels from any access to the content inside. Watching these creatures try and fail is just one the most enjoyable things to view!
Aside from the above-mentioned function, the adjustable spring mechanism means you can now control which type of birds may feast on the seeds inside. To do that, turn the cartridge counter counter-clockwise to decrease the weight required to close the shroud, which helps rpel larger birds, and reverse the direction to get the opposite result.
The squirrel-free feeder can be hung anywhere: over a window, on a deck, over a tree branch, on the side of your house or from a rain trough or over sliding doors. You may choose to place it wherever you want in order to have a close-up view of your daily feathered guests. The convenience value Squirrel Buster Plus offers is furthered amplified by the fact that its parts can be dismantled and assembled quickly without any tools required.
Last but not least, the hanging outdoor cardinal bird feeder is designed to be ventilated, which results in always fresh seed and more birds arriving at your house. All of the above-mentioned features make this a worthwhile choice for birders. One important thing to remember: due to the weigh-triggering mechanism, a squirrel can still access the birdseed as long as he does not place his weight on the feeder. Therefore, you need to allow for about 18 inches of clearance around the feeder to shut down these thieves.
If you would like to learn more about hanging bird feeder, please feel free to click here.
3. Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder 312C
Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder is designed with a circular perch and seed tray, which allows different birds to feast from all angles at the same time. You cannot imagine how beautiful it is to watch your feeder flocked with birds of various breeds and colors. To a bird maniac like me, it is just irresistible!
Furthermore, the cardinal bird feeder comes with an interestingly creative design – it is able to automatically replenish the seed tray as the birds dine from the perch, so you do not need to refill the tray yourself. Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder is able to hold up to 2 pounds of seed, which ensures constant energy supply for your hungry winged guests and saves you from the stress of having to refill the feeder frequently.
Perky-Pet feeder’s is made from antique copper, which not only boasts great durability but also complements the beauty of your garden. The sure-lock cap system helps secure the lid and prevents squirrels from accessing the bird seeds inside. In addition, the built-in drain holes shields the inner reservoir from water and keeps your birds’ meals fresh and dry all the time.
Overall, for those looking for a beautiful, squirrel-proof and durable cardinal bird feeder, Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Feeder is a worthy investment. Thanks to its built-in hanging cable, the feeder can be placed anywhere in your garden, where birds can safely and happily enjoy their little party, and you can peacefully observed these wonderful creatures.
4. Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder
Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder stands out in your back yard thanks to its bright red color like that of cardinals. The feeder is notable for its durable metal construction and zinc-plated finish, which results in a premium long-lasting and easy-to-clean product. The metal material also helps preserve the feeder against persistent squirrels. If you find yourself constantly have your wooden or plastic bird feeder destroyed by these intruders, maybe it’s time to consider making a switch!
The low-maintenance feeder is large enough to contain 2.5 pounds of black oil sunflower seeds and accommodate up to 15 birds at the same time. As a result, you are required to refill it less frequently and can attract more birds to your garden. Its wide-mouth opening enables mesh-free refilling: when the feeder runs out of food, you only need to open the lid and pour in the seeds.
Perky-Pet C00322’s mesh and 360-degree seed tray allow birds to either cling or perch to the feeder. After your feathered friends have arrived, they are free to enjoy their meals without being exposed to rain and sunlight thanks to the large overhang, which provides a perfect shield from the weather. Moreover, the built-in drainage holes allows water to flow out of the feeder, so the bird seeds always stay fresh and dry.
That being said, Perky-Pet C00322 cardinal bird feeder does have a small flaw. While the narrow screen wires prevent squirrels and other animals from stealing the food inside, it may also present trouble to cardinals if they wish to access larger seeds.
5. Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House Bird Feeder with Weathervane, 8 lb Red
Sorry, squirrels, because your time is over! With Perky-Pet 338 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder, you are able to create a bird feeding station that is impervious to sneaky squirrels thanks to its weight-triggering mechanism. When subjected to more-than-appropriate weight, the perch bar will automatically close and deny access to the food inside. Not to mention, the perching area is so narrow that squirrels will have a hard time clinging to it.
The spring is adjustable, which allows you to decide which kind of birds you wish to feed and customize the setting in accordance. Now, your smaller cardinals may be able to freely enjoy their meals without being disturbed by squirrels and larger bullying birds.
The cardinal bird feeder makes a nice addition to your back yard with its simple, yet attractive design. It is painted in bright red and features a galvanized roof and a cardinal weathervane, which results in a really good-looking resting place for your winged guests.
Aside from its good look, Perky-Pet 338 bird feeder is also resistant against environmental damage due to its durable metal construction. It is also very easy to use: the feeder can be either hung or pole-mounted to a post – choose whichever option that suits your personal taste. Its 8-pound capacity saves you from the stress of constantly refilling it, and when it runs out of food, you can easily remove the roof peak to add new seeds.
6. Roamwild PestOff Red Squirrel Proof Cardinal Bird Feeder
One problem with cardinal bird feeders featuring the single weight-triggering mechanism is that when multiple birds feed at the same time, their combined weight may result in the feeder automatically close, blocking the birds from accessing the food inside.
Roamwild PestOff Red Squirrel Proof Cardinal Bird Feeder provides a solution to this dilemma with its individually spring-loaded perches. When a squirrel, rat or large bird lands on a perch, the perch hatch automatically moves downward to prevent them from reaching the bird seeds. Now, your smaller cardinals are able to enjoy their meals without worrying about those pests!
The feeder is painted in red to attract cardinals, and its 3-pound capacity saves you from the stress of having to constantly refill it. The metal construction is not only durable, but also easy to disassemble for cleaning and refilling.
Moreover, if you are looking for a weatherproof, waterproof bird feeder, Roamwild Pestoff might just be the answer. Its built-in weather guard protects the seeds inside from water and environmental factors. As a result, the seeds you offer your cardinals with are always fresh.
The red cardinal bird feeder does it with its flaws, though. 3-pound capacity is not very impressive compared to similar items. In addition, the feeder is relatively expensive, which you may want to consider before making a purchase.
7. Droll Yankees Bird Feeder, Platform Cardinal Bird Feeders with Roof Cover
The feature of this cardinal bird feeder that most strikes me is its large umbrella-like dome, which basically acts as a protective barrier against squirrels and larger bullying birds. Thanks to this cover, your smaller cardinals are protected from both predators and weather elements such as rain and snow. Moreover, the transparent dome offers a nice complementation to your garden’s beauty and allows you to observe your feathered friends while they have their little party.
Due to the adjustable collar and set screw combination, you may change the dome level to feed the types of birds you want to. Lower the dome to deter undesirable larger birds, and reverse the direction if you would like to change your mind.
The feeder’s large seed tray is capable of holding up to 3 cups of suet, seeds, fruits or mealworms. This capacity allows you to present multiple types of food to attract a variety of birds, while also enables you to refill the feeder less frequently. Use Droll Yankees Bird Feeder to draw cardinals, blackbirds, bluebirds, doves, finches, jays, juncos, mockingbirds, and so on!
I also love the fact that the feeder can be easily cleaned and refilled without having to dismantle it. Additionally, though the stout brass enables hanging, Droll Yankees cardinal bird feeder may also be pole-mounted. Just choose the option that suits your aesthetic preference!
The major downside is that the feeder is a little small, which presents problems for bigger birds like blue jays. If you are looking for a blue jay cardinal bird feeder, you may want to consider another option.
8. Wild Bird Feeder, VUV Standard Panorama Tube Feeder with 2 Metal Cardinal Ring 5.5″x5.5″x22″ (w/hanger)
VUV Tech Standard Panorama Tube Feeder is made from high-quality plexiglass and stainless steel. The waterproof and durable materials give the cardinal bird feeder remarkable resistance to rusting and squirrel chewing. In addition, the transparent glass tube makes the feeder a nice complementation to your garden’s beauty.
The product is able to contain 2 pounds of black oil sunflower seeds. Its two metal cardinal rings allow up to 15 birds to cling to and feed at the same time. Hence, bird lovers can now indulge in their bird-watching hobby with little effort.
The seed ventilation system permits air circulation, which retains your bird food’s freshness and in turn draws more birds to your back yard. This freshness is further enhanced by the drainage holes around the bottom tray, which acts as a gateway for water to get out and prevents seeds from getting wet.
VUV Tech Standard Panorama Tube Feeder is very simple and easy to use, as it can be dismantled by hand into components for cleaning and filling. It takes roughly 30 seconds to pop off the top, pour in the seeds and then pop the top back on – now it’s done!
Overall, this is a good-looking, well-constructed and easy-to-use cardinal bird feeder that I really like. The only thing I’m not totally comfortable with is the large wire spaces, which generally requires me to fill the feeder with larger seeds, as the smaller ones may just fall out through these holes.
9. Droll Yankees Bird Feeder, Hanging Tube Cardinal Bird Feeder
“A modest, yet affordable and high-quality cardinal bird feeder” is the phrase I would like to use to describe this product.
Although the 0.5-pound capacity is not very impressive, the feeder hosts 2 feeding ports to better feed your feathered guests. The main tube part is made from UV-stabilized polycarbonate, which boasts considerable toughness and dependable resistance to weather damage, while the heavy duty metal caps at the top and bottom of the feeder is capable of withstanding squirrel chewing, which helps protect the food inside the tube. The caps are removable, so you may easily open and clean the feeder if necessary.
Droll Yankees Hanging Tube Cardinal Bird Feeder is specifically designed to present an effective and affordable feeding station to cardinals and other ground feeding birds. Just remember, because the capacity is not very large, you will have to refill the feeder more frequently than other similar items.
10. Regal Art & Gift 11.75 Inches X 4.25 Inches X 29.75 Inches Metal/Glass Bird Feeder
Regal Art & Gift Bird Feeder Stake’s intrigues me with its funny design. It is not a traditional cardinal bird feeder; instead, the whole thing is just a hand-painted and hand-crafted stake designed with two decorative bowls for bird feeding.
The bird feeder stake is made from metal and glass, which gives the item more durability. In addition, the stake features a cardinal model, which makes a nice addition to your back yard and helps lure your adorable cardinals.
In conclusion, if you are fond of new, “creative” DIY products, Regal Art & Gift Bird Feeder Stake is worth a try. You can put it anywhere, in your garden, over the hedge or at the window. After that, just see if your hand-crafted feeding station draws any curious visitors.
Buying guide
When it comes to cardinal bird feeder, birders today are presented with a variety of choices, each of which has their own pros and cons. Although it may seem tricky, deciding which option to purchase becomes a lot simpler if you make sure to put the following factors into consideration.
Material
Overall, cardinal bird feeders should be made from durable, weather-resistant materials so that you may take advantage of their benefits for a longer time. Such materials are usually easy to clean, which provides you with another incentive to consider them. Of course, everything comes with a price, so choose wisely.
Here is a brief analysis of some popular materials:
– Metal: This is by far the premium material, as it boasts considerable resistance to weather erosion and squirrel damage. Not to mention, cardinal bird feeders made from metal is very easy to clean and can be used in a dishwasher.
– Glass: Glass exchanges some durability for attractiveness. The material is not as strong as metal, which means glass feeders are generally not recommended if they are constantly subjected to wind, rain and snow.
– Wood/ plastic: These are cheap materials that are easily chipped and broken. In addition, if you are having trouble with squirrels, I highly suggest that you refrain from buying wooden or plastic feeders.
Design
When it comes to design, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
– Make sure to buy cardinal bird feeders that allow perching, clinging and sitting to make feeding more comfortable for your feathered friends.
– As cardinals are said to prefer feeders with an abundance of room to move around and pick up the seeds, platform and hopper feeders are the two recommended designs. Platform feeders provide a platform on which birds can easily land and move around; in addition, the fact that cardinals are ground foragers make platform feeders much more appealing to them. Hopper feeders present us with the additional benefit of better protection for the seeds inside; besides, they can be hung or pole-mounted in accordance to your preference.
E.g:
+ Platform feeders: Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder.
+ Hopper feeders: Perky-Pet 338 Squirrel-Be-Gone II Country House Bird Feeder with Weathervane, 8 lb Red.
– Unarguably, you want cardinal bird feeders that are capable of repelling squirrels and other large bullying birds. Hence, those featuring the weight-triggering mechanism I have mentioned above are worth purchasing.
Capacity
It is an important fact to remember that cardinals prefer bigger containers in order to better enjoy their meals. For this reason, it is advisable that you factor in the capacity factor when making your purchase – the bigger, the better. Not to mention, larger capacity means that you are not required to frequently refill the feeder, which may come in handy if you are an extremely busy person.
Some extra tips to attract cardinal birds to your garden
1. Make sure to put the feeder in the right place
Cardinals are by nature ground feeders, and they prefer feeding in a closed space protected from predators. For this reason, cardinal bird feeders should not be left in an open space that is frequently visited. Instead, they should be placed close to the ground, near hedges and shrubs to provide a secure place for these cautious birds. If the cardinals are still somehow reluctant, try scattering some seeds onto the ground, under the feeder.
As these birds tend to feed in early morning and late evening, make sure that your feeder is always filled during these periods of the day.
2. Choose the food wisely
What’s better than feeding your feathered friends with stuff they enjoy? Below is a list of foods you may want to fill your feeder with:
+ Sunflower seeds
+ Dogwood seeds
+ Wild grapes
+ Corn
+ Peanuts
+ Millet
+ Insects (butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers etc.)
Some cardinals may find certain foods more appealing than others, so mixing different types of food is a good way to figure out the best diet for your visitors.
3. Make the feeding spot as comfortable as possible
From my own experience, you may want to encourage the cardinals to create their nesting site at the location of your cardinal bird feeder by placing stuff such as twigs, grass clippings and pine needles. The nesting site should be covered by trees and shrubs to make it more tempting for the shy birds to stay there.
Furthermore, aside from food, water is also another consideration – you want to make sure that a source of water is available there all around the year. Place a bird bath near the feeder, where your birds can quench their thirst and take a bath if necessary.
4. Watch out for predators
It is mentioned before that you can sprinkle seeds on the ground to attract cautious cardinals to your feeder. However, remember to stop this practice once they get used to the feeder, or you risk losing them to predators.
5. Be patient
Cardinals are known to be shy creatures, so it takes a lot of time and effort to get them used to your feeding station. However, once they do, the reward you receive is definitely worth it.
Conclusion
Now that’s the end of this article. Thanks for reading!
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