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
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
Where does one find a chipped sunflower feeder with a catch tray? I’ve been feeding using the socks on my feeders and have to problem attracting finches. My neighbors Niger seed is ignored. I go through 10 lbs of chips in a week. I wash the socks after emptied, so socks are always clean. KayTee has a great system, but it is labor intensive and the drops the Morning Doves seem to find. I find that buying the chips at the local farm Elevator in 10 lb bags is very economical compared to the typical bird retailer.
I have not been able to find a hardscape chip feeder, until seeing your site. But can’t find where to purchase one.
Hi Marilyn,
If you mean the Beck’s Chickadee feeder, I see them still on Amazon. I’m concerned because the company had been for sale for years and I think it’s now been purchased. I have no info but I think by a competitor because they shut down the Beck’s Bird Feeders site. I love these feeders and I’m glad you can still get them.
I know what you mean about the house finches too. SOME will learn the clinging feeder but generally the goldfinches will claim it. Nyjer is something house finches eat when they have to.
Let me know if I can help any further and how this goes, ok?
Jeff
Thank you. I’ll see if I can still find the Beck’s online somewhere. I put out a fresh tube sock this morning, 8 finches and one sparrow hanging on it. OH how they love the Kaytee Sock and feeder. I still want to add one of the Beck and could find the “heart” feeders, but they are too large for the chipped sunflower. I also get some of the Purple Finches mixed in (maybe those are the house finiches:?). Thanks again for the response.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
A Google search for “beck’s chickadee feeder” should give you a few choices for sure. I do what I can to keep my house finches on the straight and narrow. Since their diet is primarily seeds, they are the first to clean out anything sunflower in my yard. I try at least to allow others to feed and make it a little challenging for them if I can. They can mob and take over feeders too easily otherwise.
Hope all goes well. Let me know if you need anything else.
Jeff