We've got Woodpeckers Galore Now!

Kettle Moraine Cedar Single Cake Tail Prop Suet Feeder 

Downy woodpecker at our feeder

The bird feeders that rim our deck attract a wide variety of birds, which we find to be fascinating and fun as we view the activity from our kitchen. Our back yard borders on and partially includes a small woodlot dotted with standing dead trees (damn you, emerald ash borers!), which supply a steady source of food for the local woodpeckers. The several feeders we put up back in fall have continue to attract three different woodpecker species – the hairy, downy, and red-bellied type – but didn’t pull in the majestic pileated woodpecker we occasionally saw (and heard) working on nearby trees. 

From our research and a friendly bird-watcher neighbor, we learned that larger species of bird don’t like those small suet cages, mostly because the birds have a difficult time maintaining their balance while feeding. The cages aren’t massive enough for a 10 to 12-ounce bird, plus the birds are accustomed to resting their tails on tree trunks while feeding in the wild. We researched feeders that meet these needs, and chose this Kettle Moraine Cedar Suet Feeder with a tail prop.

The Kettle Moraine feeder is much larger than the little wire suet cages, though it still takes the standard-sized suet cakes that are around five inches square and two inches thick. The wire cage is set within an all-cedar frame whose top can be lifted to insert a new suet cake. The biggest difference from conventional feeders is a wooden “keel” seven inches long that’s attacked to the wooden bottom of the cage. When large (and small) birds perch on the wire cage to snack on the suet, this projection keeps the feeder from tilting and provides a place for the birds’ tails to rest so they don’t fall backwards. So far, our results have been quite positive: within hours we’d spotted hairy and downy woodpeckers sampling the suet (we use “red hot” suet to discourage squirrels). Within a few days, we spotted red-bellied woodpeckers and some large flickers at the feeder, as well as other insect-lovers. Best of all, we’ve even been visited a time or by our local pileated woodpecker. Yay!

A northern flicker gets a snack

Kettle Moraine makes their feeders in the USA (in Wisconsin). The feeder hangs from a coated steel cable, which runs through the lid to keep it captive. Since the frame is made of wood, it’s naturally susceptible to squirrel damage. The wise bird feeder, however, does whatever is necessary to keep the little furry thieves away from the feeders anyway.

Summary

Plus: Attractive, well-made in the USA, performs as promised
Minus: Not completely squirrel-resistant
What They're Saying: A Kettle Moraine Cedar Cedar Feeder with tail prop is highly recommended: it’s well-made and attractive, and it does just what it’s been designed for!

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