Features To Look Out For
Hanging Hooks
If you want to attract the best birds, you need to provide them with the best variety of food and there’s a wide range of feeders you can buy featuring nuts, seeds or suet.
However, there’s no point buying an arsenal of different feeders if your station can only hold one or two!
The more branches/hooks your station provides, the more varying foods you can offer, which in turn should result in a colourful mix of different birds at your station!
Water & Seed Trays
A good bird feeding station should provide a spot to drink and bathe, as well as a seed tray, as some birds prefer feeding on a flat ground-like surface.
Feeders
Spending a fortune on a bird feeding station only to discover you then need to go out and buy a load of feeders to hang on it can be frustrating. If you don’t already own some feeders and don’t want to spend any more dosh than you have to, it might be an idea to purchase a station which includes them already.
Material
Unlike bird tables, feeding stations are usually metal as opposed to wood, which makes them more durable and long lasting. Watch out for powder coated finishes too, as these will help protect the metal from scratches or marks.
Stability
Naturally, a bird feeding station needs to be able to withstand strong wind conditions and the weight of much larger birds without falling over. This requires a combination of both heavy duty material and supportive and stable ground forks to push into the soil.
Size
If you’re on the smaller side, you might struggle to reach a 2.5 m tall station, which would make changing feeders and handling the station a little tricky. So make sure to pick something that’s within reach!
Easy Assembly
Setting up your bird feeding station shouldn’t be a chore and so it’s best to find a model which either promises easy connecting rods, or the least number of separate pieces possible. The most important thing to watch out for though is no tools required as this means you won’t have to reach into your toolbox, or go out and buy one if you’re a little light in DIY experience!
Style
While attracting birds might be your main aim, let’s not kid ourselves that bird feeding stations can’t also make incredibly attractive ornaments and centrepieces for your garden. Therefore it makes sense to try and purchase something a little more fashionable. Pay attention to the material and design and watch out for attractive finials, the decorative pattern at the top of the pole.