Globe Feeders: Globe feeders are less well-known than the others. They are for attracting small birds only like chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches and titmice. They look somewhat like a clear ball hanging in your tree. They are sometimes called satellite feeders because they look like satellites. These feeders are perchless and the birds must cling to the bottom in order to eat. Globe feeders generally hang from a wire and spin when a bird lands on it. You can use any of a number of types of seeds or seed mixtures in this feeder. Being enclosed the food is protected by the elements. These feeders are squirrel resistant because squirrels have a difficult time hanging on the feeder. A baffle can be added above the feeder and squirrels are generally deterred from coming to this type of feeder.
Suet Feeders: Suet is a wonderful addition to your winter birdfeeding regime. Suet contains energy rich nutrients and has a high fat content which helps the birds keep warm during the winter. Most birds will eat suet if they need additional energy but woodpeckers, goldfinches, bluebirds, and juncos love suet. Suet feeders are simply wire cages into which a suet cake is slipped. Squirrels and other critters like suet too so you may want to add a baffle to deter the squirrels. There are squirrel proof suet feeders which have an extra cage around the suet feeder. Suet may also be fed in a feeder with the opening on the bottom. Most birds will eat upside down but starlings and squirrels will not. Suet feeders are frequently attached to the side of hopper feeders or other bird feeders. Suet feeders can be hung from the bottom of another feeder.
There are few things more pleasurable on a cold winter day than to sit inside with a hot cup of tea watching birds flock to your birdfeeders. The variety of birds is so very interesting and knowing that you have made them welcome in your yard brings a sense of contentment. Birds need our help during the winter but they repay us with beauty and joy.