Let's Begin with Some "Feeder Facts"
When bird feeders are first offered in your yard it may take the birds a few days to a few weeks to discover and recognize them as a source of food.
Here are a few ways to help birds find your new feeder ...
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Bird feeders must be visable because birds find them by sight.
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Offering sunflower seed (black oil, hulled and sunflower-based mixes) will attract a wider variety of birds.
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Be sure to add a water source ... it is a magnet for birds (a bird bath with moving water is best).
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If your house is in a neighborhood with few trees and shrubs, provide some cover by planting some or build a loosely stacked brush pile to provide shelter for birds.
Birds have favorite foods. To attract a particular species of bird to your yard, learn about it's favorite foods on our Wild Bird Seed page, and about the different types of feeders farther down this page.
Birds prefer feeders that give them easy access to food. Choose a feeder that has high bird appeal and keep the feeding ports free of debris.
To attract a variety of birds put up different types of feeders in different places and at different heights.
There is always competition for food among birds. To reduce conflict adding more feeders may help.
When it comes to providing water, a fountain is a great choice because the sound of bubbling water is very attractive to birds ... and humans, too. But if a fountain is a bit much for you a Bird Bath is a perfect choice. Many bird baths now are designed to keep the water moving. Note: If you do opt for a fountain be sure to provide places for birds to sit by placing rocks on the bottom so birds can drink and bathe at shallow depths.
Feed year round. Contrary to popular belief wild birds will not become dependent on your feeders. They feed in multiple locations. And it won't do any harm to leave on vacation for a few weeks. If a feeder is empty while you are away they won't starve. However, they will visit year round if you provide the food. If your winter's are harsh the food you offer during that time will help them survive.
Be sure to protect birds from predators. If you have a ground feeder place it away from shrubs where a neighbor's cat (or some other predator) may be hiding. Place above-ground feeders near bushes where birds can flee when a flying predator is in the area.
Have a squirrel problem? If you have squirrels in your yard place a baffle above or below your feeder. Of course, if you're like us ... and enjoy squirrels, too ... protect your feeders but also feed the squirrels so they won't be so eager to steal from the birds.
Okay, so you're a push-over, like us! Then check out fun ways to keep the squirrels occupied at Bird and Squirrel Feeders. When the page opens select Seeds and Suet at the bottom of the left menu.
