Bird Feeders Placement
First Time Feeders
If this is the first feeder in your yard, you may need to wait a few
weeks for the birds to discover it. Try placing a shiny pie pan with
some seed in it beneath the feeder to attract birds coming through your
yard. Do not be discouraged if it takes time for birds to respond to
new bird feeders. Frequency of feeding can depend on where you live,
the number of trees and other feeders in your area. A poor winter at
the feeder -- low numbers, few species -- is usually a sign of a mild
winter or abundant natural food rather than some sort of catastrophe.
Be ready to accept that the birds frequenting may not eat from your
feeder but may feed on the insects and fruits of the plants you have
placed for some time.
The most important factor of using a bird feeder is that the feeder
should be placed in the same position for a long period of time and
it should be regularly filled with food like clock work. Birds are creatures
of habit and when they find food in your bird feeder, they will return
regularly to it. If they do not find food there, they will move on to
greener pastures.
Adding a Feeder
If adding to existing feeders, birds may ignore the new feeder, preferring
to feed at a familiar location. Move the new feeder to the familiar
location and move the older feeder nearby. You can also try to let your
other feeders empty to encourage birds to try the new feeder.
Where to Place Feeders
Place the feeders so you can watch them easily from a convenient window.
Also, when the feeders are in sight, you'll see when they need to be
filled or cleaned. However, avoid areas where there is excessive noise
from dogs, driveway traffic, and slamming doors. Use a location that
is as quiet and undisturbed as possible. Set the feeder back several
yards from the window so indoor activities will not scare the birds
away. A corner of the yard near some shrubs or a fence is ideal.
For the greatest variety and number of birds, try a variety of feeding
spots and feeders. Start with one or two feeders and increase the number
as you learn which foods and feeders the birds prefer. The quality of
the wild bird feeding experience depends on the quality of the bird
habitat in the vicinity.
Environment
Bird viewing opportunities are enhanced by being able to see the birds
that are sitting in woody vegetation before they fly to the feeder.
Bird populations are richest in situations where there is a large variety
of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees of various sizes. Bushes permit
a social arena where birds may light, preen, search for food and maintain
pecking order. Choose a site protected from strong winds, or erect a
fence or hedge to break the force of gusts.
Create a little waste area by heaping raked leaves, clippings, branches
and twigs into a mound in an inconspicuous corner of your yard, 5' to
12' from feeders can provide a place for birds to dive for saftey if
threatened. Insects will thrive beneath the cover of the brush-pile
and insect-eating birds will happily forage through the debris looking
for food. Birds will also use the pile for shelter on a cold or windy
night. Also leave seeds and fruits on plants such as sunflowers (for
jays and chickadees); cosmos, chicory and evening primrose (for goldfinches);
and grapes (for cedar waxwings).
The number and kinds of birds that will be attracted by wild bird feeding
depends on the habitat conditions in the bird feeder’s yard and
vicinity. If you put your feeder in a wide-open area of lawn, you'll
attract fewer birds because they're reluctant to expose themselves to
possible predator attacks. Landscapes with abundant trees and shrubs,
and a relatively small lawn, are most attractive to birds. To enhance
your garden with plants that provide natural food shelter, develop a
landscape plan this winter in preparation for spring planting. Placing
the attractive plants in the garden along with the bird feeder will
increase your chances of attracting the bird.
Protect Your Visitors From Preditors
According to a study conducted by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology,
predation, predominately by household cats, caused 36 percent of bird
deaths and 51 percent of bird deaths were caused by window strikes.
It has been estimated that a single domestic household cat can kill
more than 100 birds and small mammals each year. If you have a cat,
keep it inside. A bell attached to your cat's collar does little to
alert birds to its approach. If you have outdoor cats in your neighborhood,
do not attract birds.
Elevate the feeder at least five feet off the ground. Hang the feeder
8' to 10' from the nearest building and overhanging tree branches or
fences from which squirrels may climb or jump to the feeder.
If your neighborhood is home to squirrels, you can bet they'll soon
show up for a handout. Baffles and special squirrel-deterring feeders
are worth the time and trouble, because squirrels can use up seed like
a vacuum cleaner. Cover the area beneath your bird feeders with bark
chips or shredded bark mulch. When shells reach the messy stage, turn
over the mulch to hide them and add a new topping of mulch.
To prevent raccoons and dogs from carrying off suet, place it in a
wire or mesh enclosure and hang it well above the ground. Un-covered
compost piles and pet food dishes may be attracting native (rats, skunks,
raccoons) and non-native predators (cats) that prey on birds.
If rats are a concern, avoid ground and platform feeders, which are
most likely to attract them. Regularly clean up under hanging feeders.
Lay a tarp under the feeder to catch seed hulls and dropped seed. Offer
birds the seeds they prefer rather than less attractive foods such as
wheat, sorghum and cracked corn, which will end up scattered on the
ground. Put out just enough food so the birds clean it up before dark.
More
Tips & Info
