If you are a bird lover, certainly you must love bluebirds. Come on, how can anyone deny such stunning beauty? Watching your own back yard visited by these blue feathered visitors is just one of the most heartening things in life.
However, attracting bluebirds to your garden is not as easy as it may seem. One thing some birders do not understand is that bluebirds’ diet is very different from those of other species.- instead of seeds, they feed on invertebrates such as insects, snails and worms during warmer months and on berries during the winter. Therefore, a traditional bird feeder filled with seeds is likely to fail – you are expected to provide an appropriate bluebird feeder filled with stuff they love eating.
What is a Bluebird Feeder
As mentioned before, bluebirds feed on invertebrates, so you need to offer these creatures to them in order to attract these beautiful guests to your garden. You may wonder: Am I expected to search the ground for those things? Fortunately, there is a commercial solution that is conveniently available for every birder: mealworms.
These wriggly larvae are delicious food that all bluebirds enjoy. As a result, to attract bluebirds to your house, it is vital that you provide them with a constant source of mealworms. A bluebird feeder (sometimes called a mealworm feeder) is specifically designed to store these creatures and offer them to your feathered friends.
After several purchases and experiments, I have come up with a list of the best bluebird feeders in terms of price, quality and convenience. If you would like to learn more in detail, please continue to read.
Here are the best bluebird feeders in 2019
1. Best Window Bird Feeder with Strong Suction Cups & Seed Tray
Nature’s Hangout bird feeder is meant for bluebirds and several other wild birds such as finches and cardinals. It features a 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. As a result, this adds a lot of convenience to the cleaning process.
Unlike most window bird feeders, this one can be easily attached to the window thanks to its three powerful suction cups. This, combined with the transparent, see-through acrylic material, allows birders to observe their winged visitors while carrying out their daily chores. Now, you may be able to observe your beautiful bluebirds and enjoy your morning coffee at the same time!
The plastic wall design prevents the mealworms from getting out, while the divider inside the seeder allows you to attract more types of birds, as you can place mealworms on one side and seeds on the other side. Furthermore, if you previously had problems with bird food getting wet, Nature’s Hangout is able to resolve that dilemma with its mold-free drainage holes, which allow water to flow right through and in turn keep your birds’ mealworms dry.
To sum up, Nature’s Hangout is one of the best feeders in terms of price, quality, design and convenience. Not only is it an effective bluebird feeder, it also comes in handy to attract other wild flying species. Just give it a try – I’m sure you will not be disappointed!
2. Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Mealworm Feeder
Are you having problems with starlings constantly stealing the tasty mealworms meant for your tiny bluebirds? No need to worry any more, as Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Feeder helps provide a solution to your problem.
This feeder is designed with two holes on the ends, which are large enough for bluebirds to get through, while small enough to shut down larger aggressive birds. Now, your adorable bluebirds can access the mealworms inside the feeder, while the pesky starlings have to stay outside and watch their little fellows feeding in anger!
Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Feeder features transparent plexiglass windows, which allows bluebirds to easily find the mealworms and enables unimpeded view of your beautiful visitors. I’m sure all bird maniacs will find this an appealing feature.
Aside from the plexiglass windows, the rest of the feeder is made from high-quality cedar wood, which results in a pretty solid construction. The feeder is attached to a stainless steel hanging cable that can be easily hung anywhere you like. When it’s time for refilling, simply lift up the hinged roof and pour new mealworms inside – so convenient, isn’t it?
That being said, Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Feeder does have its cons. Two of the sides are plastic, but two of them are made from wood. If you fill the feeder with live mealworms, they will try to crawl out from the wooden sides, which can still be prevented if you place a small glass cup inside the feeder. Furthermore, I wish that the feeder is larger, as from my own experience, only two bluebirds can stay inside it at the same time.
3. Woodlink NABBFDR Audubon Dome Top Seed and Bluebird Feeder
I am really fascinated by the dome top design of Woodlink NABBFDR Bluebird Feeder, which acts as a perfect shield from sunlight, rain and snow. Now, your bluebirds may enjoy their mealworm party and get some rest even if it’s raining heavily outside. Additionally, the dome is adjustable, so you can lower it to prevent larger bullying birds from accessing the food inside.
The whole construction is made from heavy-duty and UV-resistant polycarbonate, which offers great durability and allows you to enjoy the product’s benefits for a longer time. The feeder is very easy to use: the plastic material makes cleaning a lot simpler. In addition, its stainless steel cable means you can hang it anywhere that most suits your convenience and prevents other predators from threatening your tiny feathered friends.
Woodlink NABBFDR Audubon Bluebird Feeder comes with a large tray, which gives you the chance to fill it with a variety of bird food, including mealworms, fruits, seeds and suet. When I first bought this product, I filled the tray with mealworms and raisons to specifically attract the eastern bluebirds, and it performed really well. For those seeking an effective eastern bluebird feeder, I highly recommend you try Woodlink NABBFDR Audubon.
As much as I like the bluebird feeder, I am somehow concerned about its lightweight, which makes the feeder prone to swinging when subjected to constant strong winds and eventually causes discomfort to the bluebirds inside. As a result, you may want to consider putting a clamp over the pole if you live in a particularly windy area.
4. Bluebird Feeder – Includes Meal Worm Cup – Designed To Keep Squirrels Out
If your poor blue birds are constantly bullied by squirrels and larger birds such as starlings, I believe you may find this a worthwhile consideration.
Erva’s Bluebird Feeder is a caged feeder with sturdy vinyl coated wire mesh, which provides just enough space for tiny bluebirds to enter the reservoir. Though some eastern bluebirds may initially have trouble getting past the wires, over time they will be able to make it. For larger predators like starlings and squirrels, good luck!
The top and bottom parts are powder coated, which results in dependable resistance against weather damage. Therefore, you may find buying this feeder very cost-effective. At the center is a glass mealworm cup, which can be filled with mealworms, seeds or jelly for your little feathered friends to enjoy. The glass cup is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, which saves you from a lot of stress when it’s time for cleaning
Erva’s Bluebird Feeder is attached to a durable cable that can be hung anywhere you want. This allows you to position the feeder at a place that enables clear view of your winged guests and prevents predators from reaching it at the same time.
Despite the above-mentioned benefits, there is one thing I’m not totally comfortable with. The mealworm cup is pretty small, which requires me to continuously refill it and causes some frustration whenever I have a tight schedule. In addition, the price is not very affordable, so you may want to consider it before making a purchase.
5. Kettle Moraine Cedar Post Mount Bluebird Mealworm Feeder
Well, another Kettle Moraine bluebird feeder! This one is pretty much similar to its Cedar Hanging counterpart, except for the fact that it does not come with a hanging cable. Instead, it is meant to be mounted or posted to a pole. Depending on your personal preference, choose the option that you find most appealing.
Just like its hanging counterpart, Kettle Moraine Cedar Post Mount Bluebird Feeder is designed with two holes on the ends, through which smaller bluebirds can access their mealworm party, but larger species like starlings and squirrels cannot. Once inside, the bluebirds may safely enjoy their meals without being disrupted by predators and weather elements.
Thanks to the see-through plexiglass windows, the mealworms you place inside become much more visible to your feathered guests. In addition, you are given the opportunity to comfortably observe their behavior.
The whole system is beautifully crafted and well-constructed with high-quality cedar wood. The hinged roof makes cleaning and refilling a lot easier – you simply need to lift up the hinged roof and pour new mealworms inside.
To sum up, Kettle Moraine Cedar Post Mount Bluebird Feeder is a viable option for those seeking a beautiful and starling-proof mealworm container for your feathered guests. If only the size is larger – I would have given it 5 stars!
6. Birds Choice Bluebird Mealworm Feeder
The most fascinating feature of this bluebird feeder is the fact that it is made from recycled plastic, which makes buying one a great choice in terms of environment friendliness. Despite being recycled, the plastic material still boasts dependable durability and weather resistance, which results in a long-lasting product that does not rot over time like cheap wooden ones.
Birds Choice Bluebird Mealworm Feeder is capable of storing more mealworms due to its large capacity, which saves you from the stress of having to constantly refill it. Its convenience value is further amplified by its 6 access/ exit holes – now your cautious bluebirds can access their little party from anywhere they like. In fact, not only bluebirds – I myself have been visited by various species, including woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees and Carolina wens as well!
Although Birds Choice Bluebird Feeder is meant to be mounted on a pole, you may also string a wire through the holes to hang the feeder if this is your preferred way.
The one downside of this product is that it is not as predator-proof as other similar items. Starlings can perch on the rim and grab the mealworms inside with their beaks, while persistent squirrels can chew through the holes and access the feeder’s inner content. In addition, even though the 6 holes make it easier for bluebirds to access the feeder from various directions, it also makes the feeder more susceptible to water penetration (especially under heavy rain and snow). Not to mention, mealworms are now given more opportunities to crawl out!
7. Kettle Moraine Recycled Bluebird Mealworm Feeder Hang or Mount (Blue, Blue)
This bluebird feeder looks pretty similar to the Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Mealworm Feeder, except for the fact that it is painted in blue. Furthermore, it is made from recycled plastic instead of cedar wood, which generally means more resistance to weather elements. The plastic material is also easy to clean, which gives you another incentive to consider buying this product.
There are two holes at the two ends of the container; these holes are exclusively designed to fit smaller bluebirds. Other species such as chickadees, nuthatches and wrens may also be able to enter the feeder. For larger aggressive birds such as starlings and jays, sorry! You do not stand a chance at all.
Aside from protection against predators, the feeder is also capable of providing protection against weather elements. Even if you live in a rainy area, you may feel pretty confident that the mealworms placed inside the container will always stay fresh and dry.
Kettle Moraine Recycled Bluebird Feeder comes with transparent, see-through acrylic windows, which enables better view of the content inside for both the owner and their feathered visitors. The stainless steel screw construction results in a pretty durable product that can be easily hung anywhere with its hanging cable.
8. Songbird Essentials SEHHBBWF Copper Bluebird Mealworm Window Feeder (Set of 1)
For anyone wishing to observe bluebird feeding from a close distance, Songbird Essentials SEHHBBWF Copper Bluebird Mealworm Window Feeder is a worthwhile consideration. The feeder comes with a suction cup that sticks firmly to the window, which in turn enables it to be attached to your window without falling off. Now, you are able to enjoy your bird-watching hobby and doing your daily chores at the same time.
Aside from the above-mentioned feature, the bluebird feeder also makes a nice addition to your house with its attractive blue color and bead dangle design. The bowl is made from plastic, so it is pretty OK in terms of durability and weather resistance.
Although the suction cup provides a reliable anchor to the window, I would suggest that you try to keep larger birds at bay. There have been reports that the feeder may still fall off your window if subjected to the weight of bigger birds. Fortunately, the plastic material prevents breakage, which partly mitigates the potential consequences. In addition, I wish that the bluebird feeder was designed with drainage holes – every time it rains, I have to take off the feeder and empty the water afterwards!
9. Bluebird Feeder
Coveside’s Bluebird Feeder offers a starling-proof, grackle-proof feeding station that your bluebirds will surely love. The container is designed with two holes at the two ends that act as a pathway for little bluebirds to access the mealworms. For larger predators, getting past these two holes is virtually impossible.
The interior is lined with transparent acrylic, so the delicious mealworms are visible to your feathered guests, and you are able to observe their behavior from the outside. The exterior is made from sustainably grown eastern white pine, which makes the whole thing durable as well as easy to clean.
Coveside’s Bluebird Feeder comes with a hinged roof to make it easier for owners to clean and refill it. The container is attached to a chain for you to hang at an appropriate place. You may also choose to mount it to a post or pole if you wish.
Overall, this is a nice feeder that has been performing really well for me. Not only does it get visited by the eastern bluebirds, it has also attracted other flying fellows such as the chickadees and Carolina wrens.
10. Seed Cylinder Feeder
A seed bird feeder? But you said that bluebirds feed on invertebrates like mealworms instead of seeds, didn’t you? So what’s the meaning of this? Some of you may think of these questions as the mention of this feeder. While I understand your concern, I have also said before that bluebirds do feed on seeds such as sunflower and peanut, especially during periods when their favorite source of energy is rare (for example, the winter).
Wild Birds Unlimited’s seed cylinder feeder is uniquely designed as a glass cylinder that is capable of storing seeds, suet and other types of bird food as well. This means that it is a pretty versatile feeder – you can use it to attract your favorite bluebirds as well as other birds. Due to its large capacity, you do not need to frequently refill it.
The feeder is covered with a green roof, which helps protect the food inside. It conveniently comes with a cable, which means you can hang it anywhere you like in order to keep predators at bay.
In conclusion, this bluebird feeder of Wild Birds Unlimited is a worthy investment for those who enjoy being visited by different feathered species.
Buying guide
Before making a purchase, it is necessary to put certain factors into consideration in order to serve your purpose and avoid wasting money. For newcomers who have little experience in bluebird feeding, here is a general buying guide for them to better their decision making.
1. Materials
Aside from the ever-present durability and convenience factor, you may want to consider clear, transparent materials to make the mealworms visible to your bluebirds. Though not quite necessary, this allows your visitors to recognize your offer more quickly and gives them an incentive to visit your house.
Overall, in terms of the above-mentioned factors, you are presented with two popular options:
– Plastic: Plastic bluebird feeders are loved by birders mostly because of the material’s lightweight, which allows the feeders to be installed almost anywhere – over a tree branch or even at your window. Due to plastic’s transparency, you are able to have unimpeded view of your little feathered friends enjoying their little party.
– Glass: This is generally the superior option, considering the fact that glass objects do not emit toxic substances like some plastic ones do when exposed to long-term sunlight and other weather elements. Not to mention, glass bluebird feeders generally boast higher resistance, which makes the products last for longer. Of course, everything comes with a price, so choose the material that fits your budget.
2. Size
Depending on the number of birds you want to attract, you may want to adjust the feeder’s size in accordance. For those who really enjoy bird-watching, a sizeable bluebird feeder is recommended so that it can accommodate more visitors. On the other hand, if you do not have enough room to install large feeding stations, maybe it’s time to consider decreasing the size and increasing the number of feeders. A nice bonus of this alternative is that it reduces the risk of arguments between your feathered guests, which means you are more likely to attract a variety of birds to your house.
3. Design
When it comes to design, there are a few things to remember:
– Some birders are attracted by colorful feeders. While these products may seem eye-catching and able to complement your garden’s beauty, it is generally said that transparent bluebird feeders are more recommended, owing to the fact that they allow your guests to see the content inside – that is, your well-prepared delicious mealworms.
– Live mealworms are much more appealing to bluebirds than dried ones. If you intend to use live mealworms, make sure that the container has sides to prevent these wriggly creatures from crawling out. Moreover, the container must have enough room for them to breathe and stay active – until they are well rested in your bluebirds’ stomach!
– Bluebird feeders come in various forms, of which I would like to name some notable ones:
- Platform feeder: Sometimes referred to as tray feeders, table feeders or fly-through feeders, these allow the birds to easily access their meals and leave without any difficulty.
- Ground bird feeder: A ground birdfeeder may simply be a patch of ground scattered with bird food.
- Window Feeder: This feeder may be placed at or attached to your window, where birds may gather to enjoy their meals and provide you with the best bird-watching experience.
Conclusion
All of the tips above are given based on my own experience and research. As long as you remember to consider the above-mentioned factors, I’m sure will be able to find out the best bluebird feeder for you. So, best of luck on your journey!
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