When it comes to attracting birds to your garden, providing food and water sources is key. One of the most popular ways to do this is with a bird table or bird feeder. But with so many different designs and types of bird tables available, how do you know which one is right for you and the birds you hope to attract?
What are the key considerations when choosing a bird table design?
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a bird table:
- Type of birds you want to attract – Different bird species have different needs, so select a table that meets those needs. For example, larger bird tables with generous perching space work well for bigger birds like doves and jays. Tables with small perches or trays suit smaller birds like finches and tits.
- Weather durability – Look for bird tables made of weather-resistant materials that won’t rot, rust or degrade in rain, sun and snow. Metal and recycled plastic tables hold up well.
- Placement – Where will you position the bird table in your garden? Make sure to choose a design suitable for the location – for example, elevate it on a pole for patios and porches or look for a hanging table near trees.
- Ease of cleaning – Bird tables need cleaning regularly to prevent disease transmission. Opt for an open design that allows easy access for cleaning.
- Pest deterrence – Some tables have design features to make it harder for squirrels to steal the bird food. Choose these if squirrels are a problem.
What are the most common types of bird table designs?
There are a few basic design types when it comes to bird tables:
Tray Tables
Tray-style tables have a simple shallow tray or platform feeder area. They often include a surrounding perch allowing birds like sparrows and finches to perch while feeding. Their open access design attracts many different bird species. Look for deep-sided trays to minimize seed spillage.
Tube Tables
Tube or hopper-style feeders dispense bird seed from transparent tubes. Perches surround the tubular feeders. These tables attract smaller birds who can feed while perching. The seed level is visible so you know when to top up.
House Tables
House-style tables have an enclosed roofed structure with feeding ports and perches. They provide more shelter for shy bird species. Look for adjustable ports to control how much seed comes out.
Window Tables
Window bird tables attach directly to window glass. They come with suction cups or clamps to fix them into position. Your window becomes part of the experience, letting you observe the birds up close.
Peanut Feeders
For birds that favor peanuts, like woodpeckers and titmice, look for mesh peanut feeders. The mesh allows smaller pieces and shells to fall through while keeping the peanuts contained.
What features should I look for in a quality bird table?
The best bird tables include design features that make them more functional, durable and easy to use. Here are some useful features to look out for:
- Roof – A roof provides shelter from rain and shade from sun. It also reduces moisture damage and seed caking.
- Drainage holes – Drainage prevents water pooling. Look for a table with holes in the base.
- Perches – Birds need to perch while feeding. Tables should have appropriate perches for the sizes of birds targeted.
- No plastic perches – Wood or metal perches are best as plastic can freeze in winter and lead to frostbitten toes!
- No sharp edges – For bird safety, edges should be rounded or smooth.
- Ventilation – Good air circulation discourages mold and bacteria. Opt for open or mesh designs.
- Easy cleaning – As mentioned above, pick tables that give quick access to the interior for cleaning.
- Squirrel deterrent – Weighted perches, smooth poles, and openings too small for squirrels can deter them.
What are the most suitable materials for bird tables?
Bird tables are constructed using a range of materials, each with their pros and cons:
Wood
- Pros: Natural appearance, inexpensive
- Cons: Needs treating and sealing to prevent rotting
Plastic
- Pros: Affordable, low maintenance
- Cons: Can look cheap, not as durable as metal
Metal
- Pros: Very durable, weather resistant, squirrel-proof
- Cons: May be expensive, can rust if poor quality
Concrete
- Pros: Extremely durable, natural appearance
- Cons: Very heavy once constructed
Recycled plastic
- Pros: Eco-friendly, durable and low maintenance
- Cons: Limited designs and colors available
Whichever you choose, be sure to check how weatherproof it is before buying so it lasts through the seasons.
Where is the ideal location to position a bird table in the garden?
Choosing the right spot for your bird table is important:
- Elevated site – Place the table on a post or pedestal above ground level to deter cats and make it easier for birds to approach.
- Visibility – Birds feel safer if they can see predators coming. Avoid obscured spots behind sheds or dense bushes.
- Shelter – Some shelter from wind, rain and sun helps. Position it near trees or a garden fence.
- Access – There should be clear flight paths and perching spots for birds to easily come and go.
- Seclusion – Too much human activity may deter birds. A quiet area is better than high traffic.
- Cleaning access – You’ll need to reach the table for cleaning and topping up food. Don’t make it impossible to reach!
Positioning your bird table thoughtfully will encourage visitors. Place it in the best spot based on garden features, bird behavior and accessibility.
What is the ideal height for a bird table?
The best height for a bird table partially depends on which species you are trying to attract:
- 3 to 5 feet for small birds – Place tables for wrens, finches and other little birds 3 to 5 feet off the ground. This deters cats while allowing you to easily refill them.
- 5 to 7 feet for medium birds – Medium-sized birds like thrushes feel safest with tables placed 5 to 7 feet high. This provides good visibility and suitably high perches.
- Over 7 feet for large birds – Larger species like woodpigeons prefer bird tables over 7 feet high with wide perches. An 8-foot pole works well.
- Hanging tables – Hanging bird tables mounted from a tree branch can have adjustable heights from just a few feet upwards.
- Window tables – Placed just a foot or two off the ground, window tables allow amazing up-close viewing.
Consider the types of birds you want to attract most when deciding on height. And remember to place it for convenient refilling!
What is the ideal dimension for a bird table?
Bird table dimensions vary hugely based on the style and capacity needs:
- Small tray tables – Go for a compact 12 x 12 inches or so for a simple tray style feeding a few small birds at a time.
- Medium-sized – For more versatility, approximately 24 x 16 inches offers decent feeding capacity without taking up too much garden space.
- Large tables – Big tables around 36 x 20 inches high up on posts provide excellent wild bird “restaurant” facilities.
- Peanut feeders – These mesh tube feeders are commonly around 18 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
- Window tables – Compact window-mounted tables average 6 to 8 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide.
Look for a table size proportionate to the number of birds you want to feed and the sizes of those birds. Larger is better for accommodating more visitors. But small single-perch tables work well too.
What is the recommended feeding area or capacity?
As a general rule:
- Small tables – Tray sizes under 600 square inches accommodate 2 to 4 birds at once.
- Medium tables – 600 to 1000 square inch trays feed 6 to 10 birds simultaneously.
- Large tables – Over 1000 square inches provides a banquet for up to 15 feathered diners.
- Multiple tables – For really maximizing bird numbers, place several small tables around your garden rather than one very large one.
Match your desired bird count to the feeding space available. Remember to keep things clean by not overcrowding the area. Rotating multiple small tables works well for numbers.
What birds will a basic bird table attract?
A basic tray, house or platform style table filled with standard bird seed mix will appeal to common garden visitors such as:
- House sparrows
- Blue tits
- Great tits
- Coal tits
- Robins
- Nuthatches
- Blackbirds
- Chaffinches
- Greenfinches
Different feeder designs and foods will attract more species. For example, peanut feeders bring in woodpeckers while suet attracts wrens. But any quality bird table will tempt general garden birds.
What birds will a squirrel-proof bird table attract?
Squirrel-deterrent bird tables allow smaller birds to feed safely while keeping squirrels at bay. Birds these specialized tables will attract include:
- Goldfinches
- Siskins
- Wagtails
- Wrens
- Dunnocks
- Sparrows
- Tits
- Starlings
- Thrushes
- Warblers
- Woodpeckers
Anti-squirrel features like weighted perches, smooth metal poles and openings too small for squirrels make sure the birds get the food. Squirrels are kept away safely.
Do birds prefer wooden or metal bird tables?
Both wooden and metal bird tables have their pros and cons for birds:
- Wood is warmer and thought to be more attractive to some cautious birds.
- Metal is more hygienic as bacteria find wood more hospitable.
- Wood needs more maintenance to preserve it.
- Metal is naturally durable but may rust if poor quality.
- Wood blends into gardens more while metal stands out.
There isn’t strong evidence that birds prefer one material over the other. High quality tables in both metal and wood will get used. Go for the material that best fits your garden environment, maintenance needs and budget.
What bird table shapes are best?
Simple platform tray shapes allow easy perching access from all sides. Other good bird table shapes include:
- Half-open lookout post style – Allows birds to perch under partial cover.
- Full-house style – Offers more enclosed shelter with viewing and feeding ports
- Circular – A round table offers unobscured visibility for surveying risks.
- Corner shape – Fits conveniently into a garden corner while allowing multiple access points.
- Hexagonal – Six-sided tables maximize edge space for perching and feeding.
Focus on choosing shapes with easy entrance and exit routes so birds don’t feel trapped. And pick tables with sufficient perching space for the species you want to welcome.
What colors are best for bird tables?
Neutral, natural wood tones and greens help bird tables blend into their surroundings:
- Unfinished wood – A light birch or pine finish avoids standing out too much.
- Natural wood stains – Opt for subdued rather than bright stain colors.
- Greens – Moss green, olive green and forest green emulate foliage.
- Greys – Go for a dull matte look rather than shiny metal.
- Brown – Match the tree trunks, branches and soil.
- Avoid bright colors – Steer clear of reds, yellows, whites and blues.
Remember, the table is for the birds not you! Blending into the garden encourages use while standing out can make them wary.
What maintenance does a bird table need?
To keep your bird table safe and serviceable, maintenance is key:
- Daily – Check food and water levels. Top up as needed.
- 2-3 times a week – Remove old seed hulls, droppings and uneaten food.
- Weekly – Thoroughly clean feeder and water containers with disinfectant. Rinse well.
- Monthly – Power wash the table to prevent disease and remove grime.
- Yearly – Treat/reseal any wooden sections prone to rotting. Repaint faded metal.
Consistent bird table maintenance keeps it safe and ensures a constant stream of visitors to your garden!
Conclusion
The ideal bird table provides a safe, hygienic and attractive place for wild birds to feed and drink. Consider your target bird species, placement, height, dimensions and maintenance needs when choosing the perfect design. Go for durability, easy cleaning and pest deterrence. Natural materials and colors work best to help the table discreetly blend into its surroundings. With so many great options available, you’re sure to find the ideal bird table to bring wildlife to your garden!