Sunflower Chip Feeder
About the time I wrote my last post asking you to take a late summer feeding break, I had not seen any goldfinches since my zinnia goldfinch surprise. I had freshly cleaned thistle feeders with fresh, shiny thistle in them. No takers. The only birds who were eating from them were the chickadees. And they were only doing that because I had taken down my sunflower seed tube and hopper feeders for the better part of the summer. I think they liked the challenge and danger of feeding upside down before darting off. (You can see my thistle feeders in the back on the right if you click on the image.) Then I decided to add my sunflower chip feeder like this one.
Then, my goldfinch feeding frenzy began!
Where Did All These Goldfinches Come From?
I generally swap out my sunflower chip feeder in the spring for my hummingbird feeder. I hang it from a hook right outside my back door so we can see whoever is feeding (or fussing and fighting-LOL!). The hummingbirds had definitely moved on so the timing was perfect.
Even though this feeder is technically built for chickadees trust me the goldfinches love it too.
I had seen a goldfinch here and there on the thistle feeder but none with any consistency. When I put out the sunflower chip feeder it was like I flipped on a switch! Within two days, I had goldfinches on all four feeder positions. Still others were waiting on the brick wall and the chain above it. My wife put out a decorative chain so they’d have somewhere to wait their turn. It’s been very busy and I am going through some sunflower chips for sure.
I wanted to get a pic for you and it’s a bit after their early morning feeding so there’s nobody there. Plus, I was afraid they’d just come out as a blur with their feverish coming and going-LOL!
Give It a Try and Let Me Know How It Works For You
What have you got to lose? The feed and feed are relatively cheap and your potential upside is huge.
Also, don’t be put off just because you’ve seen your numbers fall off recently. If you have any history with goldfinches, especially in the winter months, this WILL bring them back.
Caution: as you can tell by the pic above, I have this feeder very close to the house. I would highly recommend you find some way to hang it from your soffit outside your back door or from above your favorite window. Having it very close virtually eliminates the threat of window collisions. It will also keep the larger birds from trashing it. Squirrels will NOT be put off by it out in your yard. Mine leave it alone and have for many years. But no guarantees, ok?
Finally, if you’re going to use a window feeder hangar for your feeder that you don’t try to stick it there when it’s cold outside. You could break your window!
Good luck with your sunflower chip feeder and let me know how it goes.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with your birds!
Jeff
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Thanks Jeff. I will try the chips for sure. My numbers of Goldfinches have not lessened, as our weather is still warm (yuck!) here in Southern California. The thistle is so expensive and I need an alternative at this point but don’t want to stop feeding them altogether.
Hi JoAnn,
Do I detect a non-native Californian there? LOL! I think the only people I’ve heard complaining about it still being warm in SoCal are people who grew up with seasons. I think it’s one of the main reasons I’ve never lived there. HA! If I’m wrong, please forgive me.
I remember only a few years ago sunflower chips were nearly as dear as thistle. I know I bought some not too long ago (I’m 57 so time spans are relative-LOL!) that pushed over 13 dollars for 5.5 pounds. Now, I get it at Walmart under 7.
I’d like to reinforce that these chip feeders are not good to be put out on a feeder station away from the house unless the station is baffled. Even then, larger birds are more likely to tip it, dump it and otherwise trash it. The bigger birds are usually more afraid of coming closer to the house.
Thanks for stopping by and telling us about your goldies! Glad your numbers are staying strong.
Jeff