Putting a Feeder on a Pole: Each new season brings changes to the bird dynamics in the yard, so I tend to do some tweaking of the bird feeders or their placement each season. To reduce the amount of seed winding up in squirrel bellies, I decided to turn a ground platform feeder into a platform feeder on a pole. The feeder I converted is a Birds Choice Fly-Through Platform Feeder. It started out as an unpopular ground feeder and evolved into a very popular feeder once placed on a baffled pole.
Ground bird feeders with roofs are an excellent way to attract birds to your backyard As a passionate birder myself, I’ve experimented with different types of ground feeders over the years. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about these useful feeders
What Are Ground Bird Feeders with Roofs?
Ground feeders are bird feeders designed to sit directly on the ground or be mounted on short pole systems. They allow ground-feeding birds like sparrows, doves, juncos, towhees, and cardinals to access seed.
Ground feeders with roofs provide additional protection from the elements The roof shields the seed from getting wet in rain or snow It also provides a bit of shade on hot sunny days, Birds often like to perch on the roof while waiting their turn to grab some seeds,
Benefits of Using a Ground Feeder with Roof
There are several benefits to using a ground feeder with a roof:
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Keeps seed dry – The roof prevents rain and snow from saturating the seed. Wet, moldy seed can make birds sick.
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Provides shelter – Birds can get out of wind, rain, and sun under the roof. This can attract more birds.
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Discourages squirrels – Squirrels have a harder time stealing seeds from covered feeders. Roofs can deter them.
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Reduces mess – Seed is less likely to get scattered on the ground compared to uncovered tray feeders.
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Gives birds a place to perch – Birds like having a roof to perch on nearby food. It feels safer and more natural for them.
Key Features to Look for in Ground Feeders with Roofs
When shopping for a ground feeder with a roof, keep an eye out for these useful features:
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Adjustable roof – Roofs that can be raised, lowered, or removed allow you to control sun/rain protection.
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Ventilated roof – Mesh or screen roofs provide air circulation to prevent moldy seed.
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Squirrel guard – Baffles or cages prevent squirrels from stealing all the seed.
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Removable tray – Seed trays that slide out make cleaning and refilling easy.
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Drainage holes – Perforated metal trays allow water to drain to keep seed dry.
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Seed level indicator – Clear windows show when you’re running low on seed.
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Hopper box – External boxes around feeders hold even more seed.
The 6 Best Ground Bird Feeders with Roofs
Based on my experience and research, these are my top picks for ground feeders with roofs:
- Nature Niche Ground Tray Recycled Feeder with Roof
- Large 17″ x 9″ tray
- 100% recycled plastic hopper
- Removable metal mesh roof
- Drainage tray
- Squirrel resistant
- Songbird Essentials Cathedral Style Feeder
- Arched mesh roof
- Removable roof panels
- Large 10″ x 20″ tray
- Drainage system
- Powder coated metal
- Gray Bunny GB-6817 Feeder
- Adjustable roof height
- Locking roof panels
- Plexiglass windows
- Steel hanger and tray
- Squirrel baffle
- Perky Pet 312 Panorama Feeder
- Hexagonal design
- Slanted mesh roof
- Drainage holes
- Locking roof and tray
- Steel construction
- Songbird Essentials Cedar Feeder
- Handcrafted cedar roof
- Removable roof
- Large 1.3 gallon capacity
- Drainage system
- Rustic natural wood look
- Erva Tool & Die 35in x 11in Tray Feeder
- Huge seed capacity
- Adjustable roof
- Deep base to hold lots of seed
- Steel mesh roof and tray
- Rust resistant
Tips for Using Ground Feeders with Roofs
Here are some tips to get the most out of your ground feeder with roof:
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Place feeder in a sheltered area near trees or shrubs. Birds feel safer with cover nearby.
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Use quality bird seed like blends with sunflower, millet, cracked corn, etc. Avoid cheap “filler” seeds.
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Clean feeder regularly to prevent moldy, wet seed. Discard any clumped seed.
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Use squirrel guards like baffles or cages to stop squirrels from stealing all the seed.
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Raise roof on hot days to provide more ventilation and prevent seed from spoiling.
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Lower roof on cold, wet days to keep seed dry and give birds shelter.
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Consider installing multiple feeders around yard to support more birds. Spread the bounty!
Ground Feeders with Roofs Are a Smart Choice
Adding a ground feeder with a roof to your yard is an excellent way to attract colorful ground-feeding birds like cardinals, doves, juncos, sparrows, and more. The roof provides protection from the elements while also discouraging seed-stealing squirrels. Look for durable feeders with large seed capacities, removable trays, drainage, and adjustable roofs. With a quality feeder properly placed and filled with fresh seed, you’ll be rewarded with active bird feeding activity all year long!
Squirrels Get Into Ground Feeders
But, as happens with ground feeders, it also became popular with squirrels. I fill ground feeders with safflower seed. Although my local squirrels weren’t thrilled with it at first, they will eat just about anything if they are hungry enough. Now I think they’ve developed a taste for it. So this feeder would tend to be dominated by squirrels. A good portion of the seed went into their furry bellies instead of the birds. (Also see A Seed Squirrels Won’t Eat? )
When summer began and birds were eating less purchased seed, I decided to stop filling the three ground feeders. I instead used one Backyard Boys open ground feeder for occasional treats like mealworms or peanuts. The other (still under a picnic table) was only used for occasional seed emptied out of one of the hanging platform feeders. I stored the covered feeder in the garage for the season.
Fill the Feeder With Safflower
Most of the local birds were familiar with this feeder, having used it in its ground feeder incarnation the previous winter. The other pole feeder next to it got a lot of use, so they began to use the feeder very quickly.
I still put safflower in it because the Northern Cardinals love it and many other birds in the yard have learned to eat it as well. But now that it is up high, I have more flexibility in what I put into it.
I tried a little bit of sunflower hearts as well to please the American Goldfinches, who don’t eat safflower. Sunflower always seems to be a favorite of many birds though. If you mix the two in one feeder, they tend to pick out the sunflower and leave the safflower until the sunflower is gone. So I now just fill it with safflower.
Note: The seed you put in a feeder makes a big difference. Check out my post on Choosing Seed For Backyard Birds.
Ground Bird Feeders | The RSPB
FAQ
Are ground bird feeders good?
With caution, bird feeders can be harmless to birds. Not especially beneficial, especially not compared to making the area more bird-friendly in general, but harmless. There’s nothing wrong with doing a thing that’s harmless to wildlife, particularly if it can help to spark interest in conserving said wildlife.
Can I just throw bird seed on the ground?
Provide seed from a bird feeder rather than scattering it on the ground. Keep areas clean under and around your feeders. Keep fresh seed in the feeder and be sure it doesn’t get moldy.
Why put a potato in the bird feeder?
‘Cooked potatoes can be a safe and nutritious occasional treat for wild birds,’ says bird feeding expert Isabelle Manseau. ‘Carbohydrates provide quick energy, especially beneficial in cold weather. Vitamin C supports immune health, and potassium is good for for nerve and muscle function,’ she adds.