Use a mesh sock feeder for an easy way to feed yellow finches. The birds pull seeds through the fabric with their small beaks. Sock feeders are easy to make out of nylon socks or pantyhose tied shut at the end. Quality feeders are available at most pet stores, bird supply shops, and online. Finches may show up at other types of feeders, such as hopper feeders. However, these feeders also attract squirrels and other birds, which will scare away the finches even if you put out the right food.
Use only fresh thistle seeds, which look black and oily. Brown seeds are old. They have no taste or nutritional value, so yellow finches will avoid them. Purchase seeds in small quantities, up to 2 lb (0. 91 kg) at a time, from a wild bird supply store. The seeds stay fresh for up to a couple of months. Places that sell the seeds in bulk are often selling older batches that finches won’t eat. Store-bought finch seed mixes are blends of thistle seeds with sunflower chips. They may also contain other components like flaxseed and millet.
Finches have small beaks that cannot crack hard shells, so select seeds carefully. If you purchase sunflower seeds or safflower seeds, get them with the husks removed. Keep the seed mix about 75% thistle. That way, the other components don’t attract squirrels and other birds.
Metal feeder poles are a great resource since they allow you to place a feeder almost anywhere, even if you don’t have long tree branches nearby. If you decide the feeder is in a bad spot, pull the pole out of the ground and plant it elsewhere.
Finches make their nests in thick shrubs near open fields and rivers. Put your feeders close to these sorts of areas to have the best chance of attracting them. They don’t go deep into forests to feed, so spacing feeders apart from trees is fine.
Also, be aware of climbable surfaces like walls and buildings. Feeders near these areas are often vulnerable to clever predators, so finches will avoid them. Place the feeder in a location that is visible from a distance so you are able to watch the finches without disturbing them.
Check the old seed at least once a month, preferably when you deep-clean the feeder. If it looks healthy, mix it in with the new seed. Fresh thistle seeds, for instance, look black and oily. Plan on checking the feeder as often as possible to keep it clean and well-stocked. Also, empty the feeder and replace the seeds each time it rains. [9] X Research source Roger J. Lederer, Ph. D. Ornithologist.
Clean feeders every 2 weeks or more to prevent mold and bacteria. Feeders need to be cleaned more often during rainy periods or when you hear reports about salmonella outbreaks in your area. Liquid dish soap also helps when cleaning feeders, but it doesn’t eliminate mold. Bleach is more effective at sterilizing feeders.
Clean feeders every 2 weeks or more to prevent mold and bacteria. Feeders need to be cleaned more often during rainy periods or when you hear reports about salmonella outbreaks in your area. Liquid dish soap also helps when cleaning feeders, but it doesn’t eliminate mold. Bleach is more effective at sterilizing feeders.
Birdbaths are prone to the same bacteria that wet feeders are, so clean them as often as possible to prevent yellow finches from getting sick. You may need to refill a birdbath more often, especially during dry weather.
Finches notice the color and movement of the ribbon when they’re flying by the feeder. If they see the ribbon moving without other birds or predators nearby, they may stop by the feeder.
Finches normally range from the northern part of Canada to part of the southern U. S. In winter, they range from the southern end of Canada to as far as Mexico. Finches nest and lay eggs in the summer. They then molt in autumn. If the birds look a little dull-colored, it’s because of their new feathers.
Finches often build nests among dogwoods, elderberries, buttonbushes, hawthorns, Monterey pines, willows, fruit trees, and even tall thistles. Watch areas that already have these sorts of trees and shrubs. You may be able to spot some finches without putting these plants directly on your property. The best areas are large and secluded with lots of sunlight.
Give new shrubs and trees plenty of space to grow. Yellow finches are easier to spot in more open spaces.
Many types of thistle grow quickly and are considered invasive. Check your local regulations for restrictions on growing thistle and try to choose a type that occurs naturally in your area.
Some people swear by yellow flowers. While they do attract finches, birds have sharp eyes capable of noticing any type of bright color. Don’t deadhead these flowers after their blooms fade. Finches feed on seeds from marigolds, zinnias, and other plans after they die out.
If you are able to, create a finch habitat near a stream or river so the birds always have a fresh source of water.
