Bird seed catchers, also known as bird feeder catchers, are devices designed to catch spilled bird seed from underneath bird feeders. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but their purpose remains the same – to collect fallen seeds so they don’t go to waste. But how well do these bird seed catchers actually work? Here we’ll take an in-depth look at bird seed catchers, including how they work, their pros and cons, and whether or not they are effective at catching spilled bird seed.
How Do Bird Seed Catchers Work?
Bird seed catchers are placed directly underneath bird feeders and are designed to collect any seeds that spill out. Most bird seed catchers consist of a tray or basin that sits below the feeder to catch falling seeds. The tray often has slightly raised edges to better contain the spilled seeds. Some bird seed catchers may also attach directly to the bird feeder poles or hooks to secure them in place below feeder ports.
When birds feed from above, they inevitably knock some seeds out of the feeder openings. These spilled seeds drop down and land in the catcher below. The catcher acts as a backstop, preventing wasted seeds from falling all the way to the ground. The seeds remain conveniently collected in the basin or tray, ready to be scooped up and reused.
Some more advanced bird seed catchers have additional features beyond a simple catching tray. For example, some may have a domed cover to further protect the spilled seeds from the elements. Others may incorporate screening to allow small debris or hulls to fall through while keeping the majority of seeds contained. But the general concept remains the same – positioning a receptacle below the feeder to intercept any dropped seeds.
Types of Bird Seed Catchers
There are a few main types of bird seed catchers:
Tray Style: These consist of a simple plastic or metal tray that sits below the feeder. They may be rectangular, square, or round. Tray style catchers are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to use. However, their open design exposes the spilled seeds.
Enclosed Basin Style: Instead of an open tray, these feature a fully enclosed plastic basin or hopper. The enclosed design helps keep seeds dry and protected. But the capacity is typically smaller than a tray style.
Screened Tray Style: These combine a tray base with a fine mesh screen on top. The screen allows hulls and small particles to fall through while keeping the majority of seeds contained. This helps remove debris from the recovered seeds.
Hanging Style: Designed to hang directly below feeder ports, these small catchers attach right to the feeder. They collect seeds right as they fall, but have very limited capacity.
When choosing a bird seed catcher, consider the weather conditions, capacity needed, and ease of cleaning. Tray style catchers tend to be the most versatile, providing good exposure while also offering ample collection space.
Pros & Cons of Bird Seed Catchers
Bird seed catchers have a number of potential advantages:
Pros
– Save wasted seeds – Catch spilled seeds before they hit the ground
– Reuse recovered seeds – Seeds can be collected and reused in feeders
– Reduce messes – Contain fallen seeds instead of allowing them to spread
– Low maintenance – Most styles are easy to use with no complex parts
– Inexpensive solutions – Basic tray catchers are very affordable options
However, there are also some limitations to be aware of:
Cons
– Exposure to elements – Open tray catchers leave seeds vulnerable to moisture and pests
– Small capacity – Catchers fill up quickly and must be checked frequently
– Can blow away – Lightweight catchers may blow away or spill in high winds
– Dirt/debris accumulation – Catchers can collect leaves, hulls, and other debris
– Chewed by squirrels – Squirrels may chew through plastic basin catchers
The main tradeoff is between capacity and seed protection. Enclosures provide more coverage but smaller volumes. While open trays allow large amounts of seed collection but with more exposure. The consistency with which the catcher is checked and emptied can also impact its effectiveness.
Factors That Impact Effectiveness
How well a bird seed catcher actually works depends on several factors:
Type of Bird Feeder
The specific style of bird feeder makes a difference. Feeders with deeper basins, perches, or ports that aren’t fully enclosed are more prone to spills and waste. Tube feeders or enclosed feeders waste less to begin with. Using a catcher below a highly wasteful feeder will yield more recovered seeds.
Weather Conditions
Wind and rain can impact how many seeds get spilled. More seeds tend to fall from feeders in wet conditions or high winds. Using a catcher helps preserve these seeds. But adverse weather may also blow light catchers around, limiting usefulness. Sturdy, heavy catchers work best.
Feeder Placement
Positioning the feeder directly over the catcher is key. It should be centered and reasonably close so falling seeds have a straight shot into the basin or tray. Feeders placed too high or off-center will miss the catcher.
Bird Activity & Behavior
Active and aggressive birds jostle at feeders more. This leads to increased seed litter as they scratch, fling, and knock seeds out. Placing feeders in busy areas or closer to covers where birds congregate increases spills.
Capacity of Catcher
Small catchers will overflow quickly. Larger trays or deeper basins allow more seed collection before needing to be emptied. Matching the catcher size to the feeder use and seed waste levels is important. Undersized catchers are less effective.
Frequency of Emptying
To maintain efficiency, bird seed catchers should be emptied regularly. Full catchers obviously won’t recover any further wasted seeds. Checking and emptying catchers daily or every few days preserves capacity.
Advantages of Catching Spilled Bird Seeds
Here are some of the top benefits of using bird seed catchers:
Saves Money
Seeds recovered from a catcher can be reused in feeders. This helps save money by recycling seeds that would otherwise be lost. Even just reusing a portion of the spilled seeds can add up over time.
Reduces Waste
Catchers prevent perfectly good seeds from going to waste on the ground. This supports sustainability and avoids contributing unnecessary waste to landfills. It’s a small but easy way to reduce environmental impact.
Deters Rodents
Seeds on the ground can attract rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels. Catchers reduce loose seeds that these pests would feed on. Less mess also makes the area appear cleaner.
Prevents Germination
Some spilled seeds may germinate if left on the ground. This can lead to unwanted bird seed plant growth. Catchers stop these seeds from taking root.
Keeps Feed Area Clean
Catchers contain the mess of fallen seeds in a single place for easy cleaning. This prevents seeds from being spread over a large area by weather or activity. Quickly scooping from a catcher is simpler than sweeping up scattered seeds.
For those looking to save money on bird feeding, reduce waste, and keep their yard tidy, a good seed catcher can be very helpful. The key is choosing an appropriately sized catcher for the feeder setup and staying on top of emptying it regularly.
Review of Top-Rated Bird Seed Catchers
Here are some of the best bird seed catchers available in different styles:
Songbird Essentials Seed Catcher
– Open flat metal tray design
– 221 sq. in. of catching space
– Rust resistant powder coated finish
– Easy mounting around pole
– Wide shape for good coverage
With its large tray capacity and powder coated metal construction, the Songbird Essentials catcher is built to last through all weather conditions while collecting lots of spilled seeds. The rectangular shape provides ample catching space below feeders. Reviewers praise its durability and quality.
Aspects Catcher Seed Tray
– Deep plastic tray construction
– Convenient carrying handle
– Drainage holes in bottom
– 350 sq. in. of catching area
– Can mount to feeder pole
This seed catcher tray from Aspects attaches right to the feeder pole for secure placement. The tall plastic sides allow it to hold up to 8 cups of seed. Holes in the bottom allow water drainage to keep seeds dry. Its large capacity means less frequent emptying.
Birds Choice Recycled Catcher
– Made from 95% recycled plastic
– Screens keep seeds in while removing hulls
– Resists chewing damage from squirrels
– Collection drawer slides out for easy cleaning
– Hangs directly under feeder ports
The Birds Choice catcher is made in the USA from durable recycled plastic. Its screened tray slides out for simple emptying while keeping the good seeds inside protected from weather and squirrels. Reviewers love its smart design and quality construction.
Perky Pet 8209-2 Seed Saver
– Attaches directly to feeder pole
– Rounded plastic enclosure seals in seeds
– Removable locking lid for easy access
– Holds up to 5 pounds of seed mix
– Wide funnel opening catches stray seeds
Made by popular brand Perky Pet, this enclosed catcher attaches right below the feeder to directly collect fallen seeds. Its plastic bucket design seals in the recovered seeds and provides ample capacity. Owners praise its durability and seed-saving ability.
Gray Bunny GB-6874 Seed Catcher
– Heavy duty metal mesh screen
– Removable plastic tray base
– Allows dust/hulls to fall through
– Holds up to 8 cups of seed
– Prevents squirrel chewing damage
The Gray Bunny catcher features durable steel mesh screening to allow debris to fall through while keeping good seeds contained in the plastic tray below. Its simple but effective design prevents squirrel damage. Reviewers mention how easy it is to empty and clean.
Types of Bird Seeds That Can Be Caught & Reused
Many common types of loose bird seeds can be caught by seed catchers and reused, including:
– Black oil sunflower seeds
– Striped sunflower seeds
– Safflower seeds
– White proso millet
– Cracked corn
– Nyjer seeds
Small nuts, such as shelled peanuts and tree nuts, may also be collected to reuse.
The key is that the seeds must be loose and not within a seed cake or suet mixture. This allows individual seeds to fall into the catcher separately.
Very small seeds like thistle may pass through screen catchers. Larger seeds and nuts can be too big for smaller catcher openings. But standard sunflower seeds and mixes flow well through most styles.
Always inspect recovered seeds for freshness and remove any debris before placing them back in feeders. Discard any visibly moldy or rotted seeds. Then the good seeds can be returned to feeders for a second round.
Tips for Using Bird Seed Catchers Effectively
Here are some useful tips to get the most out of bird seed catchers:
– Position the feeder directly over the catcher centered below ports
– Select the right catcher size based on feeder traffic and seed waste
– Routinely check and empty catcher to maintain maximum capacity
– Gently wash catcher and replenish with fresh seed as needed
– Use deep-sided, fully enclosed catchers to protect seeds in wet weather
– Keep spare catcher handy to swap out and refill while cleaning the other
– For multiple feeders, use individual catchers below each or a very long tray-style
– Avoid setting feeders too high as distance falls can miss the catcher
Following these tips will help ensure your catcher is actively collecting as much reusable seed as possible. Pairing the right catcher with your particular feeder setup makes a big difference.
Conclusion
Bird seed catchers can be an effective way to reduce wasted seeds from bird feeders. The right size and style catcher used properly under actively filled feeders can allow significant savings. Key factors that impact success are the catcher capacity, protection from weather, secure mounting, frequency of cleaning, and proper positioning. Catchers with deep, enclosed basins and durable construction tend to work best. While not a complete solution for all lost seeds, catchers allow easy collection of fallen seeds for reuse, saving money and reducing waste. Following clever tips and recommendations for strategic setup will maximize their usefulness. For bird lovers looking to conserve resources, quality seed catchers are a handy tool to consider incorporating below their feeders.