How we pick
This page explains how a product or a figure ends up on Bird Feeder Setup, so you can judge how much weight to give it. In short: we work from published tables, manufacturer specifications and verified owner reviews, and we do not claim hands-on trials.
What do we compare?
- Fit for the birds you want. Feeder type, port size and perch style are matched to the species a page is about, because a cardinal and a goldfinch feed differently.
- Squirrel and weather resistance. Baffle design, materials and whether parts can be cleaned and replaced.
- Ease of cleaning. Feeders that are hard to clean are the ones that end up spreading disease, so this counts.
- Optics that suit birding. For binoculars and scopes, magnification, objective size, exit pupil, weight and warranty as published.
- Smart feeder terms. Whether a camera feeder needs a subscription, and what the listing states about power and video quality.
- Recurring owner reports after months of use, weighted above a single first-day review.
Where does the information come from?
Nest box dimensions come from published tables such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch guidance. Feeding advice comes from Audubon, Cornell and wildlife agency guidance. Product specifications come from the Amazon listing and the manufacturer. Each calculator labels its basis as a published figure or a rule of thumb. See how we research.
What have we and have we not done?
We do not test products in person and do not claim to. A pick is the product that fits the stated need best on the criteria above, not one we have worn out in a yard.
Affiliate links and the word "sponsored"
Product links go to Amazon and we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Those links are marked rel="sponsored", which is the standard label for affiliate links; it does not mean a brand paid to be featured. We do not sell ranking positions. If a brand ever pays for a post it will say so on the page. See the affiliate disclosure.
How are prices, stock and updates handled?
Prices change constantly, so pages show a budget range and the button shows the current price. Product links are re-checked on a regular schedule and a pick is replaced if its listing disappears. Each page shows a last-updated date under the title.
What if something is wrong?
Tell us on the contact page and we will correct the page.
