Why are the yellow finches staying away from my feeders? .?

Question

Used same bright yellow feeders, in same spots with fresh thistle as last year. Not a one single yellow finch has come to the feeders. A few sparrows found the one in the front of my house, but no even the sparrows are visiting the one in the backyard, and it is next to an inhabited birdhouse. What am I doing wrong this year than last? This is really causing my summer to have a kink in it. I love to watch the yellow finches feed at my feeders. Please give me suggestions as to what my problem might be. Thanks.

Answer 1

Finches shy away from feeders, when the thistle starts to mold.  If your area is very hot and humid, thistle seed will start to spoil quickly  Cut back on how much seed you put into your feeder and see if this helps.  Maybe keep the extra seed in the freezer before you put in the feeder. Make sure that the seed is kept dry.  High humidity can spoil any seed in the feeder if this is the case you may have to clean out the feeder and wash it thoroughly, let it dry, and then restock it.

Answer 2

it's not you.  I normally have three thistle feeders out and have to refill every other day.  this year, i only have two feeders out and i have very little finch activity.  I thought something might be wrong, so took feeders down, washed thoroughly, and refilled, and still very little activity.  No hummingbirds this year either.  it is sad.