Feeder Construction and Design
When choosing a bird feeder, consider how solidly it is made and how easy it will be to use year after year. The construction materials must be able to withstand harsh weather and likely attacks by squirrels. Check the quality of the construction. A bird feeder must be rugged--in case its supporting pole or cord fails and it falls--and yet easy to fill and dismantle for cleaning.
Look for these features in a bird feeder of any design:
Easy to clean and fill.
Easy to see when it is empty
Easy to mount or hang.
Has drainage holes in the bottom of the seed hopper and feeder tray.
Holds sufficient food for several days of inclement weather
Has a top that shelters the perches from rain.
Seed hopper access design discourages squirrels.