While I’m not a huge fan of seed mixes, especially during the warmer months, there is an exception to the rule. I would certainly recommend using a quality seed mix in a platform or fly-thru feeder during the Fall and Winter months . The reason? Many popular winter birds, like sparrows, junco’s, and towhees are arriving on masse and looking for millet. You can either provide that millet on its own or in combination with  sunflower seeds and nutmeats.

Platform or fly-thru style feeders are wide-open enough to entice those ground-feeding birds that we love to see during the colder months. Flythru's also, without a doubt attract the largest possible variety of backyard birds of any feeder style. They exclude no one. Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Woodpeckers of every variety, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Quail, Doves-I could go on and on.

In addition this style is the easiest to clean and maintain of any feeder style, and offers unencumbered views of your favorite backyard birds.

In the past these feeders were built almost exclusively from wood mainly cedar. As a result, wet weather usually created a moldy seed mess, and penetrated the wood making for a tough clean-up job. However, two recent design improvements have gone a long way towards alleviating these problems.

The latest material to replace cedar is poly-lumber, which is made from recycled pop bottles. The best recycled feeders on the market these days are produced by U.S. manufacturer Backyard Nature Products. Their feeders are practically indestructible. Water does not penetrate this material like it does with wood, and it is guaranteed to never chip, fade, or rot.

Secondly, wood and screen bottoms are now being replaced with perforated aluminum bottoms. Not only do these durable bottoms drain moisture away from the seed but they are removable which makes cleaning a breeze. I love these feeders and so will your birds!