of plastic. Hopper feeders resemble small houses, and are made of a combination of metal, wood, and plastic. Platform feeders are large trays that are often covered and are typically made of wood or plastic. All three feeder types can dispense a variety of bird seed types; however, there are specialty feeders for distributing nyjer and sunflower hearts or whole peanuts (peanuts that are out of the shell and split in half). Generally, tube feeders attract small-bodied birds, and larger birds are unable to perch on tube feeders. Hopper and platform feeders attract birds of all sizes. Choosing a bird feeder is just as important as choosing the bird seed to offer. For those wanting to attract large numbers of small songbirds, a tube feeder is best. Hopper feeders attract a wide variety of species, and allow for large quantities of bird seed to be stored. Platform feeders attract the greatest number of bird species, but the bird seed is more prone to getting wet or blown off the feeder by the wind. For individuals who want to attract more species of birds to their feeders, specialty feeders are available. Specialty feeders are made for suet to attract woodpeckers, nectar to attract hummingbirds and orioles, fruits to attract robins, and insects to attract bluebirds. There are also feeders specifically designed to hold whole peanuts, sunflower hearts and nyjer. History The NBFS was formed in 1989 with the assistance of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry, the trade association for the bird feeding industry. In the early years of the society, the organization published newsletters, provided educational resources for instructors, and ran photo contests. For nearly 15 years, the NBFS mailed a bi-monthly newsletter, "The Bird’s-Eye reView", to its members. The newsletter featured tips, tales, and tactics used for attracting wild birds. The society also developed a "Kit for Kids", a collection of materials for teachers, and two booklets: "The Story of Bird Feeding", and "The Dynamics of Bird Feeding". In its early years, the Society also held photo contests with individuals submitting photos in categories such as birds at feeders and most unusual feeder visitor. Currently, the NBFS promotes education and conservation initiatives that raise awareness about bird feeding and the protection of wild birds both at one's home and beyond the backyard. The NBFS also sponsors National Bird-Feeding Month, held in February, to promote the bird feeding hobby. References External