Backyard bird feeding in Michigan can sometimes leave a trail of seed shells and debris underneath your feeder. The Auto Tray Seed Catcher is designed to help solve that problem while making your feeder more comfortable for birds to use.

Built as the perfect companion for Quick-Clean tube feeders with a 2¾-inch diameter, this tray attaches directly to the base of the feeder and catches seeds before they fall to the ground. By collecting loose seed and shells, it helps keep your backyard feeding area cleaner and reduces wasted seed.

The tray also provides an additional landing space that many birds appreciate. Species common in Michigan backyards—like cardinals, chickadees, finches, and nuthatches—often prefer a stable perch while feeding. With a tray in place, birds can comfortably sit and eat rather than cling to feeder ports.

Designed with convenience in mind, the finger hoods allow you to easily access and remove the feeder base when it's time for cleaning. The tray simply snaps onto the Quick-Clean feeder base, requiring no tools or hardware.

Made from durable polycarbonate, the Auto Tray is built to handle changing weather conditions—from warm summer birdwatching days to snowy Michigan winters. It’s a practical upgrade that helps keep your feeding station tidy while giving birds a better place to feed.

Specifications

Full Product Name: ASPECTS449 Auto Tray
SKU: ASPECTS449
UPC: 026451124492
Material: Heavy-duty polycarbonate
Compatibility: Designed for Aspects Quick-Clean feeders with 2¾" diameter tubes
Function: Seed catcher and feeding platform
Installation: Snap-on attachment, no hardware required
Use: Reduces seed waste and debris under feeders
Durability: Lifetime guarantee

Key Features

• Designed specifically for 2¾ inch Quick-Clean tube feeders
• Catches falling seeds and reduces mess below feeders
• Creates a comfortable feeding platform for birds
• Finger hoods allow easy access when removing feeder base
• Made from sturdy polycarbonate for long-lasting outdoor use
• Snaps on easily with no tools required
• Backed by a lifetime guarantee

Pro Tips from Backyard Birds in Michigan

• A feeder tray can help attract cardinals, which prefer a stable perch rather than clinging to feeder ports.
• Catching seed before it hits the ground helps discourage unwanted visitors like rodents.
• During busy feeding times in winter, trays provide additional space so more birds can feed at once.
• Clean the tray regularly to keep your feeding station healthy and inviting for birds.

If you feed birds in Michigan, you know how quickly seed can end up scattered under your feeder. The Quick Clean Bigfoot Tray helps keep your backyard feeding area cleaner while giving birds a comfortable place to perch and eat.

This tray attaches beneath compatible tube feeders and catches falling seed before it reaches the ground. That means less waste, less mess, and fewer unwanted critters visiting your feeding station.

The tray also works as a stable feeding platform, making it easier for birds like cardinals, chickadees, finches, and nuthatches to land and enjoy a meal. In Michigan backyards, that extra landing space can help attract an even wider variety of birds.

And when it’s time to clean, the Quick Clean design makes it easy to remove the tray and keep your feeder fresh and healthy for visiting birds.

Whether you're feeding birds during a snowy Michigan winter or enjoying backyard birdwatching in the summer, the Quick Clean Bigfoot Tray is a simple upgrade that helps keep your feeding station tidy and bird-friendly.

Specifications

Full Product Name: ASPECTS423 Quick Clean Bigfoot Tray
SKU: ASPECTS423
UPC: 026451124232
Material: Durable weather-resistant plastic
Function: Seed catcher and feeding platform
Compatibility: Works with compatible tube bird feeders
Use: Reduces seed waste and provides bird landing space
Color: Neutral / Clear

Key Features

• Catches falling seed to reduce mess under feeders
• Creates a stable feeding platform for birds
• Helps discourage rodents by reducing seed on the ground
• Attracts more backyard birds to your feeder
• Quick Clean design allows easy removal for cleaning
• Built for year-round outdoor use

Pro Tips from Backyard Birds in Michigan

• Platform trays help attract cardinals, which prefer a stable place to perch while feeding.
• Catching seed before it hits the ground can help keep squirrels and rodents from gathering below.
• During Michigan winters, trays give birds a larger landing area when feeders get busy.
• Clean the tray regularly to keep seed fresh and safe for birds.

10-inch diameter tray is the perfect companion for your tube feeders, offering a blend of elegance and extreme durability. Not only does it catch seed that birds accidentally drop, but it also provides more perching area, inviting larger, colorful birds—like our Michigan Cardinals and Grosbeaks—to dine comfortably at a tube feeder.

Patented, Ingenious Design

True to the Aspects mission of simplicity, this tray features an ingenious, patented design. It attaches to your feeder simply and quickly—no complex hardware required! It simply screws into the base of the feeder and comes with a decorative finial included for a polished, high-end look.

Why Every Michigan Backyard Needs One:

• Unbreakable Polycarbonate: Made of heavy-duty, UV-stabilized polycarbonate that is practically indestructible. It won't yellow in the summer or crack during a deep Michigan freeze.

• Universal Fit: This 10-inch tray fits all Aspects' tube feeders, making it the most versatile accessory in your birding kit.

• Saves Money: Catches "discarded" seed before it hits the ground, preventing waste and reducing the mess under your feeder.

• All-Weather Drainage: Built-in drainage holes ensure that rainwater doesn't collect, keeping the caught seed dry and fresh.

Backyard Birds Pro-Tips:

• Cardinal Favorite: If you find your Cardinals are hovering but not landing, add this tray! The extra perching surface gives them the stability they need to feel secure while feeding.

• Cleaning is a Breeze: Because it unscrews so easily, we recommend giving it a quick rinse every time you refill your feeder to keep the drainage holes clear of debris.

Local Support for Michigan Birders

Visit Backyard Birds for all your birding essentials. Order online for fast regional shipping or choose In-Store Pickup to get your new tray today!

Protect your birds from Michigan's unpredictable weather! 

The Aspects 182 Super Dome is the ultimate heavy-duty shield for your backyard feeding station. This massive 18-inch diameter baffle provides a dual-threat defense: it keeps squirrels from raiding your feeders from above and acts as a giant umbrella to keep seed bone-dry during heavy rain or a classic Great Lakes snowstorm.

Crafted from crystal-clear, UV-stabilized polycarbonate, this dome offers a front-row seat to the action while remaining virtually indestructible. Its smooth, slippery surface ensures that even the most determined squirrels slide right off before they can reach the snacks below.

Product Specifications:

• Dimensions: 18" Diameter x 6" Height.
• Weight: Approximately 2.34 lbs.
• Material: High-impact, UV-stabilized polycarbonate (won't yellow or crack over time).
• Hardware: Includes solid stainless steel top and bottom hooks for easy hanging.
• Compatibility: Universal fit for any small to medium hanging bird feeder or birdhouse.
• Manufacturing: Proudly Made in the USA.
• Warranty: Aspects Lifetime Guarantee.

• Michigan-Tough Durability: Crafted from UV-stabilized, unbreakable polycarbonate, this tray is built to survive Great Lakes winters without cracking or yellowing.
• Keep Seed Fresh: Built-in drainage holes ensure that rain and melting snow drain away, preventing seed spoilage and mold.
• Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit all Aspects 2.75" diameter tube feeders (except the Big Tube series) using a simple threaded mounting system.
• Effortless Maintenance: The tray detaches quickly without tools, making it easy to scrub down and keep your feeding station healthy.
• Made in the USA: Backed by the Aspects Lifetime Guarantee.

• The "Dove Hack": If larger birds like doves are hogging the tray and blocking the ports, add a 1/2-inch threaded extension (available at most local hardware stores) to drop the tray 6 inches lower. This lets ground-feeders eat from the tray while songbirds keep their spots at the ports.
• Winter Maintenance: After a typical Michigan "snow-dump," give the tray a quick tap from below. This clears the drainage holes and keeps the seed dry as it thaws.
• Weekly "Healthy Bird" Scrub: To prevent the spread of avian diseases, we recommend a weekly cleaning. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts hot water. Scrub, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely before reattaching.
• Attract More Cardinals: Cardinals love to feed in pairs. The extra perching space on this 8.5" tray allows a male and female to dine together, which they often won't do on cramped individual perches.

• Built Michigan-Rugged: The UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube won't yellow in the summer sun or become brittle during a -10°F February wind chill. The rust-resistant copper-finished metal hardware is built to handle our humid lake-effect air without corroding.
• The "Stay-Dry" Reservoir: Holds approximately 1 lb of Nyjer (thistle) seed. The snug-fitting metal lid keeps out Michigan’s sudden rain showers and heavy snow, ensuring your expensive seed stays fresh and flowable.
• Easy Maintenance: The lid slides up the heavy-duty hanging wire for effortless refilling. The clear tube allows you to monitor seed levels from your kitchen window, so you know exactly when it’s time for a top-off.

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The "Goldfinch Glow": Michigan’s American Goldfinches are highly visual. The shimmer of the brushed copper acts as a natural attractant, catching the sunlight and signaling to passing flocks that your yard is a premium feeding station.
• Beat the Humidity Clump: Our Great Lakes humidity can make tiny thistle seeds "stick" together. Pro-Tip: Every time you walk past, give the feeder a firm "Michigan tap" on the side. This keeps the seed loose and ensures it flows smoothly to the bottom ports.
• Winter Redpoll Rareness: Keep your eyes peeled in January and February! During "irruption" years, Common Redpolls migrate down from Canada into Michigan. They love these 6-port metal feeders because they prefer feeding in small, social groups.
• Hygiene is Key: To protect our local finches from eye infections (Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis), which can spread during our damp Michigan springs, we recommend a quick scrub with a 9:1 water-to-bleach solution every two weeks.

A Compact Powerhouse for Michigan’s Acrobatic Sunflower Lovers!

Inspired by the copper-rich history of our own Upper Peninsula, the Woodlink 24512 COPSUNMINI is the perfect "cling-style" feeder for birders who want to see their backyard friends up close. This rugged, all-steel station is designed specifically for Black Oil Sunflower seeds, the #1 choice for Michigan’s year-round residents like the Northern Cardinal and Black-capped Chickadee.

• Acrobatic Cling Feeding: The 1/4" steel mesh is perfectly spaced to hold sunflower seeds while allowing birds to cling anywhere on the surface. This invites acrobatic specialists like Goldfinches, Nuthatches, and Titmice to dine from any angle, giving you a front-row seat to their playful antics.
• Built for the Great Lakes: Constructed with a rust-resistant aluminum brushed copper finish on the cap and base, this feeder is built to handle everything from Michigan's humid summer mornings to our salt-heavy winter air.
• The "Stay-Dry" Design: Featuring open drainage holes around the bottom tray, this feeder ensures that even after a sudden Mackinac rain shower, your seed remains dry and fresh.
• Easy Refills: The metal roof slides easily up the heavy-duty hanging cable for quick filling and cleaning. Its compact 0.5 lb capacity makes it an ideal starter feeder or a secondary station for smaller patios and balconies. 

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The "Sunflower Secret": Michigan birds are obsessed with Black Oil Sunflower seeds. They have thinner shells and higher oil content than striped varieties, providing the essential energy boost our local Cardinals and Chickadees need to survive a 10°F night.
• Goldfinch "Petal" Behavior: In late summer, you might see Michigan Goldfinches tearing petals off your garden sunflowers before they even go to seed. Pro-Tip: Hang this feeder nearby to give them a "ready-to-eat" alternative while your garden flowers finish maturing!
• Winter De-Icing: During a classic Michigan ice storm, the mesh can glaze over. Because this model is heavy-duty steel, you can safely give it a firm tap with a wooden spoon to break the ice and free up the seeds for your hungry winter residents.
• Chickadee "Grab & Go": Watch your local Black-capped Chickadees—they will often grab a single seed from the mesh and fly to a nearby maple or oak to shell it in the safety of the branches.

The Ultimate Defensive Fortress for Your Michigan Bird Sanctuary!

In Michigan, we don't just feed the birds; we defend their buffet. The Audubon AV1MNP Heavy Duty Caged Feeder is a fortress built for the Mitten State’s most dedicated birders. With a staggering 18 lb capacity, this is one of the largest caged feeders on the market, ensuring that even during the busiest migratory waves, your birds have a reliable place to dine.

• Massive 18 lb Seed Reservoir: Spend more time watching and less time trudging through the snow. This jumbo hopper holds enough seed to last through a long Michigan winter weekend, reducing the need for constant refills.
• Tactical Cage Design: The heavy-duty metal cage is specifically spaced to allow colorful songbirds like Goldfinches, Chickadees, and Nuthatches in, while keeping out squirrels and aggressive "bully" birds like Blue Jays and Grackles.
• Rugged Construction: Built with a powder-coated metal top and base combined with tough recycled plastic, this feeder won't crack in a -20°F wind chill or yellow in the humid July sun.
• EZ-Open Maintenance: Despite its size, cleaning is a breeze thanks to the EZ-open base design, ensuring your Michigan flock stays healthy and the feeder stays sanitary.

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The "Lake-Effect" Anchor: When fully loaded with 18 lbs of seed, this feeder weighs over 25 lbs. Do not hang this from a standard branch or a thin decorative hook. We strongly recommend a heavy-duty 4x4 post mount or a high-capacity steel pole system anchored deep into the ground.
• Safflower Strategy: If you find that the local squirrels are still trying to chew through the cage, fill this feeder with Safflower seed. Michigan squirrels generally dislike the bitter taste, but our Northern Cardinals and Chickadees love it!
• Winter De-Icing: Our freezing rains can glaze over the cage openings. Because this model is built with heavy-duty metal, you can safely give it a firm tap with a wooden mallet to break the ice and allow your birds access.
• Spring Humidity Defense: With 18 lbs of seed, moisture is the enemy. Every few days, give the feeder a quick shake to rotate the seed and ensure the internal baffle is keeping the flow moving toward the ports to prevent clumping in our damp Michigan springs.

Invite a Wide Variety of Michigan Songbirds to Dine Under Cover!

Attract everything from the vibrant Northern Cardinal to the elusive Evening Grosbeak with the Woodlink GGFLYTHRU Going Green Fly-Thru Feeder. This open-access platform feeder is a favorite for Michigan birders because it accommodates birds of all sizes—especially those ground-feeders that struggle with small perches. Crafted from 90% post-consumer recycled plastic, this eco-friendly station is built to endure the diverse and often harsh Great Lakes climate.

• Generous Open Design: The "fly-thru" layout allows birds to enter and exit from any direction, making them feel safe and comfortable. The large green roof provides a substantial shelter, protecting both your guests and their food from sudden Michigan rain showers or heavy lake-effect snow.
• Versatile Feeding Platform: This generously sized tray can hold up to 1.75 lbs of seed. Its open design is perfect for offering a wide menu beyond standard seed, including fruit, suet, mealworms, or whole peanuts to attract a broader variety of avian visitors.
• Superior Aeration & Drainage: Equipped with a green, powder-coated perforated metal screen base, this feeder ensures water drains away instantly. This keeps your seed dry and fresh, preventing the spoilage and mold that often occur during our damp, humid Michigan springs.
• Mitten-Proof Durability: Proudly Made in the USA, the recycled plastic construction is incredibly sturdy and will not absorb moisture, harbor bacteria, or crack and rot over time.

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The Cardinal's Choice: Many of our favorite Michigan residents, like the Northern Cardinal, are ground-feeders that prefer a flat surface to stand on while eating. By providing this platform-style station, you'll see a dramatic increase in Cardinal activity compared to narrow tube feeders.
• Winter "Snow Plow" Strategy: During heavy snow, larger birds like Mourning Doves often act as "snow plows," kicking fresh snow out of the tray to reach the seed. This effort actually benefits smaller Michigan birds like Juncos and Sparrows who follow behind to find clear food.
• Humidity Defense: In the height of our humid July and August, seed in open trays can clump. Pro-Tip: The metal mesh bottom is your best friend here—every few days, give the tray a quick shake to ensure airflow continues to reach the bottom layer of seed.
• Pole Mounting for Success: This feeder is designed for pole or post mounting. In Michigan, we recommend mounting it on a sturdy pole with a squirrel baffle at least 10 feet away from any "launchpad" branches to keep local raccoons and squirrels from raiding the buffet.

• Versatile Buffet Tray: The spacious bottom tray is perfect for live or dried mealworms, sunflower hearts, or chopped fruit. It features small drainage holes to ensure your bird food stays dry and fresh through a sudden Michigan rain shower.
• Built Michigan-Tough: Constructed from heavy-duty, UV-resistant polycarbonate, this feeder won't yellow in the summer sun or crack during a 10°F February night.
• Full Visibility: The crystal-clear design offers an unobstructed view of the birds from your window, making it easy to capture that perfect photo of a vibrant bluebird mid-meal. 
  
  
  
  

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The "Mealworm Training" Trick: Michigan bluebirds are creatures of habit. To get them started, place the feeder in an open area of your yard and leave the dome raised high for a few days. Once they recognize the mealworms as a reliable food source, you can lower the dome to keep the Starlings out.
• Winter Survival Strategy: While many bluebirds migrate, some stay in Michigan year-round. During a deep freeze, they need massive amounts of fat to stay warm. Pro-Tip: Mix your mealworms with suet nuggets or sunflower hearts to give them a high-calorie "energy boost" during a January cold snap.
• The Spring Calcium Boost: In late April and May, Michigan's female bluebirds need extra calcium for egg production. Sprinkle some crushed, baked eggshells into the mealworm tray to help them raise a strong, healthy brood.
• Hydration Matters: Bluebirds are famous for their love of water. Pair this feeder with a heated birdbath or the Audubon 32 oz Glass Waterer to make your yard an irresistible sanctuary for the whole season.

Because Michigan’s Hardworking Birds Deserve a Fresh Drink!
While feeders provide the fuel, water is the secret to a truly diverse Michigan backyard. The Audubon NAW32GL Glass Water Feeder is a game-changer for local birders. During our humid July afternoons or those dry, snowless stretches of winter, this high-capacity reservoir ensures your feathered neighbors stay hydrated without you needing to refill a small dish every few hours.

• Massive 32 oz Reservoir: One of the largest waterers on the market, holding a full quart of fresh water. This is a lifesaver for busy Michigan families who want to provide for their birds even on long weekends "up north."
• 360° Wraparound Perch: Designed with a wide basin and a perfectly sized circular perch, it allows multiple birds—from Eastern Bluebirds to Black-capped Chickadees—to drink and preen at the same time.
• Durable Blue-Tinted Glass: The thick, high-quality glass reservoir isn't just beautiful; it's built to last. Unlike plastic waterers that can crack or cloud in the Michigan sun, this glass stays clear and is a breeze to sanitize.
• Easy Monitoring: The transparent design lets you check water levels from your kitchen window, so you know exactly when it’s time for a top-off.

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The "Liquid Gold" Secret: Many Michigan birds, like American Robins and Cedar Waxwings, don't visit seed feeders but will flock to your yard for a reliable water source. Adding this waterer can instantly double the variety of species in your garden.
• Summer Algae Defense: Michigan’s summer humidity can turn still water green quickly. Pro-Tip: Hang this feeder in a partially shaded area to keep the water cool and slow down algae growth.
• The Winter Freeze Warning: While water is vital during Michigan winters, glass can crack if the water freezes solid. We recommend bringing this glass unit inside when the forecast calls for a deep freeze, or swapping it for a heated birdbath during the peak of January.
• Sanitation is Key: Birds drink and bathe in the same water. To keep your local flock healthy and prevent the spread of avian diseases, we recommend a quick scrub with a 9:1 water-to-vinegar solution every few days.

Welcome Michigan’s Tropical Travelers in Vibrant Style!

There’s no surer sign that a Michigan spring has finally arrived than the flash of a Baltimore Oriole in the budding maples. The Audubon WLO1 Classic Oriole Feeder is the ultimate welcome mat for these orange-and-black beauties. Designed as a complete "all-in-one" buffet, this bright orange feeder offers every treat an oriole craves after their long journey from Central America to the Great Lakes.

• The Full Buffet Menu: This feeder doesn't make you choose. It features a 12 oz nectar reservoir with 4 feeding ports, 4 built-in jelly wells for grape jam, and a center spike perfect for half an orange.
• Built-in Ant Defense: We know Michigan summers bring out the ants. This feeder features a built-in center moat—simply fill it with water to create a natural barrier that keeps crawling pests out of your sweet nectar and jelly.
• Mitten-Weather Durable: Constructed from high-impact, UV-stabilized orange plastic, this feeder won't fade in the sun or crack during a sudden May frost.
• Easy-Clean Design: Orioles can be messy eaters! This feeder is top-rack dishwasher safe and comes apart easily, ensuring you can keep it sanitary for your feathered guests all season long.

🧤 Backyard Birds: Michigan Pro-Tips 🧤

• The "Tax Day" Target: In Southern Michigan, aim to have this feeder out by April 15th to April 25th. Orioles are "early birds"—if your feeder isn't ready when the first scouts arrive, they might skip your yard for a neighbor's!
• The Spring Energy Boost: When they first arrive in Michigan, orioles are exhausted and crave high-energy sugar. Pro-Tip: Start heavy on the grape jelly and fresh oranges in May. As the weather warms and nesting begins in June, they will transition more toward the nectar and protein-rich insects.
• Beat the Michigan "Bullies": If you find that Gray Catbirds or Robins are hogging the jelly, try hanging this feeder in a more open area. Orioles are bolder and will fly to an exposed feeder, while Catbirds often prefer to stay closer to the cover of thick Michigan shrubs.
• Nectar Recipe: Don't waste money on "orange dyed" nectar. Mix 1 part plain white sugar with 4 parts boiling water. Let it cool completely before filling. The bright orange plastic of the WLO1 is all the "color" you need to catch their eye!.