Keep Bird Seed Dry With A Weatherproof Solution From Amazon

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Whether you live in a hot, dry climate, experience torrential downpours, or are somewhere in between, a rain guard is an absolute necessity for bird feeders and nesting boxes. Not only do they keep feathered friends safe from the elements as they enjoy a snack, but they also protect food from heat and water exposure. This means less chances of bird feed developing harmful bacteria or growing mold. In fact, when bird food gets wet and it's hot outside, it can harbor aviary-harming parasites. With a protective shade, you're not just helping to preserve your supply of seed or suet cake; you're also promoting the health and well-being of local birdlife. But before you pay upwards of $20 on a flimsy plastic model, consider an all-weather metal option that's almost $10 cheaper at the time of writing. 

Introducing your newest Amazon birding essential: the Eyrosa Metal Bird Feeder Rain Guard. Unlike traditional dome-shaped designs, this model has an umbrella-like configuration (because why should only humans get to enjoy the umbrella concept?), which effectively directs rain water off and away from the feeder beneath. Customers rave about this product, with multiple reviews noting how simple it was to install no matter what kind of feeder they had. "They assemble quickly and are easy to use," one reviewer noted. Others even commented on how it served as a protective feeder shield from bird droppings in overhead trees. Given that it has received an average of 4.5 stars over more than 300 ratings, it's safe to say that this product is very worth trying out. 

The rain guard comes equipped with two S-shaped hooks: one for attaching to the feeder, and the other for hooking onto the mounting hanger. There aren't specifications about how much weight it can hold, but it seems to be one guard per feeder. The guards also come in packs of two so you don't have to try to fit multiple underneath on the same hook. Since it measures 11.5 inches in diameter, it's not suitable for larger types of bird feeders, specifically some hopper or platform varieties that are wider in length compared to compact tubes. Use a tape measure to confirm your current bird feeder's width and depth if you're unsure whether it's small enough to fit underneath. Ideally, you want the weather guard to overhang by a few inches on all sides to provide birds with adequate shade and rain protection. If feeders are the same size as the guard, they may jut out or be less protected from harsh sunlight or precipitation.

Choosing the right finish could also lend to more than just aesthetics. The forest-green color may help disguise the feeder and any birds underneath from predators above, especially when intermixed with tree foliage. Since hummingbirds flock to shades of red and certain bright colors, the red weather guard could tap into one of the secrets of attracting hummingbirds to an all-you-can-sip nectar buffet. Although the consensus seems to be that birds don't pay much attention to black shades, there are signs to suggest that birds like robins, thrushes, and mourning doves may be drawn to them — so if you want to attract these species to your feeder, it's worth a shot.