As far as attracting woodpeckers goes, suet feeders are the best option. There are a TON of different styles of feeder to use for suet, and I have a few I like. The most basic would be the metal cage style. It’s a wire basket accessible from any angle, and hung by a loose chain. I have birds use this style but it’s not my go to.
Downy Woodpecker and Robin using the suet basket
My preferred suet feeder is more enclosed and has a tail prop for the woodpeckers. I have a lot of success with downy using this feeder as well as the nuthatches. I do find however that the Red-bellied woodpecker wont land on it. It could be a size issue but I’m unsure. I went with a feeder made from recycled materials in this instance as well and really enjoy it.
Downy Woodpecker and Red-breasted Nuthatch using the suet feeder
My last suet feeder is also my newest. It’s made from a log and has a suet basket attached inside/underneath. I really, really enjoy seeing the birds figure out how to use it and get to the suet. I feel like it provides a much more natural feeding experience and it looks beautiful as well. Again I only see the Downy and Nuthatch using this particular feeder, I’m unsure if Red-bellied woodpeckers would normally feed upside down.
Red-breasted Nuthatch and Downy Woodpecker using the suet log
I find that a lot of birds feel most comfortable just eating off of the ground. As much as I love seeing feeders used, I also love watching the birds scratch and forage. I get a huge variety of birds that normally don’t land on any of the feeders I have available, so I will be investing in a tray style feeder for them that will stay down on the ground and hope to get good results from it.
Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak feeding from the ground
Lastly, some seasonal type feeders are for the orioles and hummingbirds. While I have trouble attracting hummingbirds, I do get a ton of orioles and they are so much fun to watch. This spring I will be investing in multiple feeders for them, and will still be on my mission to get those hummers. My feeder I currently have is again, made from recycled materials and is made to hold jelly and fresh orange slices as well.
Baltimore and Orchard Oriole using the oriole feeder
Baltimore Oriole using the hummingbird feeder
While technically not a feeder, I highly recommend having a water source for the birds. Aside from drinking, they like to use the water for bathing which I really love to see. Right now I have a plastic bird bath with a solar powered fountain. Movement in the water tends to help the birds find the source more easily and entice them to bathe. I have plans to make an in ground water source for the birds this spring, so stay tuned for that.
Baltimore Oriole, Common Grackle, and Indigo Bunting using the bird bath
