Strike gold – and then some! Summer is a great time to attract Goldfinches, Purple Finches, House Finches and Pine Siskins with thistle seed. You’ll see a burst of color and variety at your feeder well into the season. American goldfinches are a late breeding bird and babies won’t leave the nest until August.

Set up a finch feeder

Try these tips:

• Hang a finch tube feeder from a branch or hook. Finches are very agile and can easily land on the swaying feeder where larger or nuisance birds may have more trouble.
• The tiny openings on a finch feeder keep the small seed contained.
• Squirrels tend to avoid thistle, but if they do raid your feeders, look for metal-reinforced ports and perches.
• Mesh socks are good for dispensing Nyjer seed. If it rains, replace the wet seed so it won’t develop mold.

For more tips, go to Tips.acehardware.com

Published: 3/5/2020