Where to Find the Most Economical Birding Accessories

We just love sitting out on patio at supper time and being entertained by all our feathered friends. We want to add to a 3 feeders. Where have you found the most economical feeders, birdbaths and accessories? I don't mean cheap...I don't mind paying a bit extra for quality.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I've been collecting mine for years; Internet when I'm looking for something specific or stores when I run into one that will fit in and be sturdy and there is a "need" for it.

The metal ones aren't always the most expensive. I've gotten some metal hopper "squirrel" proof (yeah right) at Home Depot and/or Lowes. Those are the ones that get really heavy if filled all the way.

Here's one that the birds like and has withstood numerous tumbles to the ground (Trex deck) without breaking the "plastic" although the metal rod has been bent some (pretty easy to straighten out with the right tools). For some reason the squirrels have never chewed on either of mine. I think they used to cost more than this price. They have a life time guarantee and the cost isn't too great. I'm on my second one that is about 3 or 4 years old now and still looks new. The one it replaced, that was several years old, got knocked off the deck (15 ft drop) one too many times. The last straw was when it landed on a rock "just right" breaking the tray. I kept the other parts and the dome is now over one of my other feeders.

http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=DY-X-1

I have one of each of these:

http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=DUN-15401

http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/RTProduct.asp?SKU=DUN-15201

Lots of birds visit these. I've had mine for several years. BEWARE.... The first year I had these I put sunflower seed in them using the grid guard. The squirrels chewed a couple of places on edges of each trying to get to the seed. I took the grid guard out and now use only safflower seed in them. Squirrels haven't touched them since. My squirrels will chew up most ANYTHING that is wood even if it is empty. Wood does rot over time too.

BTW.. When I order from Best Nest, which isn't too frequently, I get enough stuff for free shipping.

My personal experience with the definition of "economical" bird feeders is mainly those that won't be destroyed by the squirrels (and possums at night; I think the word has gotten around the possum community about Hilda Rotties, who caught one last summer; haven't seen any evidence of any since; she dropped it at the back door on command and we got to spend 30 minutes watching it come out of it's "playing dead"; too dark to film; sure wish children had been here to see it) chewing on them or broken when they knock them down, ones that will last many years. Those that are mostly metal are more durable.

Second consideration is how the feeder will fit in with my woodland "landscape" so all feeder colors are predominately green with the exception of hummer feeders.

Bigger is not always better as 1) They get pretty heavy when put on any type of hanger, bending some, and 2) If the feed sits in them too long it can get moldy. Also if feeder is left untouched too long red wasps start nest in them.

Another important consideration is how easy the feeder is to clean. One of my tube feeders, with wire squirrel guard around it (only the smaller birds can get through the wires; it really frustrates the Cardinals who can't or won't try to get in), is very difficult to clean as the bottom doesn't come off. It takes lots of time (time is money) to clean it well (soaking, hose jetting, several different brushes repeated several times).

gg=alice

This message was edited Aug 17, 2007 11:22 AM

Good question carbo! I have to admit I've never bought anything online but I definitely do a lot of searching.

Has anyone bought things from this place? They say their a discount site.

http://www.rachelsrobin.com/

Thanks for the link pelle. I haven't purchased from them but looks to be a good price on this which I've been thinking about getting since reading about it.

http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-13171-cb7825c52939088cbc294c911feb31bf&ps_session=ac6ab2fdee9b57da4e49f3f3c4c3a63b

I've had two of these Droll Yankees and they certainly take the beating from critters and the squirrels don't chew them for some reason, looking good for years. (I just posted a link for this feeder in, up a few posts, from Best Nest. Rachel's Robin price is certainly much better than at other places.)

http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-13172-cb7825c52939088cbc294c911feb31bf&ps_session=ac6ab2fdee9b57da4e49f3f3c4c3a63b

BTW... I've been buying many, many, many things online for years. Virtually always a good experience.

In 1999, I purchased a fabulous condition, one owner, low mileage '84 Turbo Diesel Mercedes SW, for a "steal", as DH's Y2K car. (Gasoline is too dangerous to store whereas Diesel can hardly be ignited and no combustible fumes.)

It's always good to check out any kind of reference, feedback, opinions, etc., too.

gg=alice

This message was edited Aug 17, 2007 1:11 PM

Oh I didn't mean to say I don't buy anything online but so far I haven't bought any bird feeders.

Well phew, I didn't want to say anything. I just can't imagine not ordering things on the Internet now days. And it's obvious you use the Internet.

I've ordered lots of bird things on the Internet. Really haven't been disappointed. I think I'm going to have to order the Dorothy's Cardinal feeder and The Oriole Feeder (like my old one) from Rachel's Robin.

I'm doing some computer tech support right now (and sneaking in fun like dropping in here) every chance I can get but can't see the birds from here). I'll, hopefully, get those feeders ordered tonight and report back here on their initial emails to me about order.

gg=alice

Here is the one thistle feeder that opens from the bottom for easy cleaning, look how long it is.

http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-18322-adfd571bfe52af6ab025873e6466167f&ps_session=a10c86ff6ed7edf9fdc89403c28eae64

I was thinking of getting that one but now that my House Finch problem is so bad I'm considering this one instead since I already have 2 thistle feeders and House Finch can't hang upside down.
http://www.rachelsrobin.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-11237-adfd571bfe52af6ab025873e6466167f&ps_session=a10c86ff6ed7edf9fdc89403c28eae64

Thanks for everyone's responses. Now I have a few online stores to do some comparison shopping.

I'll tell you...the squirrels this year are craftier than years past. We have a cedar gazebo type feeder on a pole which draws the cardinals. Every time I looked out the door yesterday, a squirrel was in the feeder. For the love of me, I couldn't figure out how the little sack of beans got in there. Until I stood at the door and watched for awhile. The feeder is only a few feet away from an arbovitae. The little bugger climbs up the trunk of the shrub and then jumps to the feeder. So my husband greased the pole with vaseline and then sprinkled cayene pepper on the pole. So today's project is to move the feeder away from the shrubs. Some people say if you can't fight 'em, join 'em. NO WAY!!!! I'm afraid if I begin feeding them that will draw more and then I'll become a lunatic running out the back door yelling like a nut every time I see a squirrel in my bird feeders!!!

I'll be waiting for the men in the white coats!!! LOL :)