Feeders aren’t necessary for the birds. They can be cool to have around, but the birds will find enough food in nature. In fact, if they become dependent on your feeder and you move, there can be a die-off of the dependent birds.
I don’t keep a feeder around. Mainly due to avian diseases that are spread through bird feeders. Normally, if a sick bird is in the area, it will eventually die, cold and alone. This sounds sad, but consider that same sick bird using a feeder. The closeness of the group dramatically increases the chance of them sharing saliva or blood, which may get on the food, or when they peck at each other to compete for the food in the feeder. Now you have a dozen birds dying cold and together.
If you really want to attract birds to your yard, give them a nice habitat. Check your local nursery for plants that attract certain types of birds and space them throughout your yard. If you must supplement with seed, spread it around on the ground, so they have to forage for it. It is more natural for them, and it reduces the chance of close contact and contagion.