backyard birding

For some reason, the finches we have at our house refuse to use this feeder -- even though they flocked to a cheap $5 tube feeder I had before this one! The other cheaper feeder had a flat tray on the bottom, which they seem to prefer over this design. I left it hanging out there for weeks and not one bird used it, so I finally gave up.

Company is VERY, VERY quick with delivery. It wasn't the finch feeder I wanted though...feeder discontinued that I had wanted. Waiting for credit to my charge card. This is a very nice birdfeeder, howver I had already received a free one (similar) that was replaced through Opus's lifetime warranty. Very pleased to report..they do honor their guarantees..very quickly I might add.

Honestly, I haven't seen this particular model, with the so-called "copper" that another reviewer found was only plastic. (I agree; the description is highly lacking...) However there's no reason this thistle feeder wouldn't work just fine, hanging in an appropriate location, and barring the aggressions of your local squirrel population or your dropping it regularly.

I do think the buyer should know that THISTLE seed (a.k.a. Niger seed, pronounced "NIGH-jer") is very thin. Therefore, this feeder will have very narrow feeder holes, unlike a "regular" bird feeder using sunflower or mixed seed, which will NOT work here. The thistle feeder's primary purpose is to attract goldfinches, who tend to shy away from the brouhaha at mixed feeders, and to exclude those birds who frequent the larger feeders. (The other birds will give up on this one in frustration and head to feeders with easier access, which you may decide to maintain as well. I would.) The finch's bill allows it to pick the tiny seeds out from the narrow openings.

So please keep larger seed out of this feeder; the finches won't be able to get at it. You'll only be teasing them! Know that thistle seed is more costly than black oil sunflower or mixed seed, and that's what you're committed to using when you buy this type of seed-specific feeder.

Please do a little reading before placing the feeder outside. Any book on backyard bird feeding will be helpful. You'll find it may take time for the goldfinches to find your thistle feeder, as is often the case with *any* new feeder. You'll learn which seasons are best for goldfinches to be in *your* geographic area. And you will then know what areas of your yard are best for placement of the feeder.

Seriously consider keeping some sort of water nearby as well. If not a birdbath proper, a large, shallow dish with water and a few large stones in it will do nicely. Just remember to change the water every couple of days.

Most of all, enjoy watching *all* the birds, and dig deeper into the many books that are available to deepen your knowledge and appreciation! ...