These are the feeders, seed, suet, and gear I actually use to keep cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds coming back to my yard, including the squirrel-proof setup that finally works. If you want to start feeding birds or upgrade your fee...
My Squirrel Buster Plus is the feeder that finally ended my war with the squirrels, since the weight-activated shroud just closes on them.
Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder w/Cardinal Ring, 6 Ports, 5.1lb Capacity, Green
On my small balcony rail I hang the Squirrel Buster Mini, and the chickadees and titmice visit it all day.
Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-Proof Feeder
The Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone is the budget pick I'd hand a friend who wants to try feeding birds without spending much.
Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder 2lb
This all-metal Kingsyard tube feeder has survived two winters in my yard and still looks good.
Kingsyard Metal Hanging Tube Bird Feeder
My goldfinches cling all over this mesh finch feeder, and it's the most colorful corner of my yard.
Kingsyard Metal Mesh Finch Feeder 2.5 lbs
Nature's Hangout's window feeder puts the birds about a foot from my desk, which makes working from home way better.
Window Bird Feeder by Nature's Hangout - Strong Suction
This glass hummingbird feeder is easy to scrub clean, and the bee guards keep the wasps off in late summer.
FEED GARDEN 16 OZ Glass Hummingbird Feeder
When I'm too lazy to boil sugar water I just pour in this ready-to-use Kaytee nectar.
Kaytee Hummingbird ElectroNectar 64oz
Black oil sunflower is the one seed that brings in almost everything, so I buy this big Wagner's bag and it lasts me months.
Wagner's 76027 Black Oil Sunflower Bird Food
Wagner's Eastern Regional blend is what I fill my tube feeders with, and my cardinals clearly approve.
Wagner's 62004 Eastern Wild Bird Food 20lb
I treat the birds to Kaytee Nut & Fruit mix on weekends, and it pulls in blue jays I never saw otherwise.
Kaytee Nut & Fruit Wild Bird Seed, 5 lb
For the feeder over my patio I use this no-mess blend, because it doesn't leave a pile of shells or sprout weeds.
Kaytee Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Seed 9.75lb
Kaytee Nyjer is what goes in my finch feeder, and the goldfinches show up within days of filling it.
Kaytee Nyjer Thistle Seed, 3 Pound (Pack of 1)
I stock up on this 10-pack of Heath suet cakes every fall since the woodpeckers go through them fast in cold weather.
Heath Outdoor Birds DD4-10 Suet Cake, 10ct
A handful of Kaytee dried mealworms is how I got bluebirds and wrens to start visiting my yard.
Kaytee Wild Bird Food Mealworms 3.5oz
My heated bird bath keeps open water all winter, and it's honestly the busiest spot in the yard on freezing days.
Heated Bird Bath 75W Outdoor Winter Bowl
Adding this baffle to my feeder pole finally stopped squirrels from climbing straight up to the seed.
Garbuildman Squirrel Baffle for Bird Feeder Pole
The Ottsuls pole kit lets me hang several feeders in one spot away from the house, and the five-prong base holds it steady.
Ottsuls 109in Heavy Duty Bird Feeder Pole Kit
I put up these SISTERBIRD bluebird houses in late winter so they're ready when the birds start scouting nest spots.
SISTERBIRD 2 Pack Bluebird Houses Outdoor
My Vortex Triumph binoculars are sharp enough to tell sparrows apart, and they come with Vortex's lifetime warranty.
Vortex Triumph HD 10x42 Binoculars
I keep the Sibley Eastern guide on my windowsill so I can look up any new visitor right away.
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern NA
The roof on this double suet feeder keeps rain off the cakes, and it's where my downy woodpeckers hang out.
