These expert tips will help you attract birds to feeders wherever you live.
Putting up a bird feeder is an excellent way towelcome avian visitors into your yard.
There are several factors that can help attract birds to your feeder.
Credit:Ingunn B. Haslekaas / Getty Images
The climate where you live will also influence your decision.
In hot climates, look for feeders with ventilation and weatherized features to keep seeds fresh, says Mizejewski.
In cold climates, choose feeders with larger seed capacities to minimize refilling frequency.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Depending on the birds in your area, you may want to put up several types of bird feeders.
This includes finches, jays, cardinals, buntings, grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice.
She notes that squirrels also like these feeders and can help themselves to the feed.
Some are spring-loaded, so the weight of the squirrel shuts these feeders, she says.
Hummingbird Feeder
Have hummingbirds in your areaand want a front-row seat?
Hummingbird feeders have specialized flower-like ports suitable for their long beaks, says Mizejewski.
Peanut Feeder
Thisattracts cardinals, jays, and squirrels, says Karr.
It is usually in a wreath shape and provides enrichment as they work the peanuts through the wire wreath.
Suet Feeder
Suet provides fat and energyto birds.
Suet feeders are a great source of energy for the birds during cold weather, says Karr.
You will be amazed at how many other species take advantage of it as well, she adds.
Use suet quickly because it can go rancid in hot weather.
Suet has a short shelf life, so dont save it for the next season.
Tube Feeder
This bird feeder is a long, slender tube often filled with small seeds.
Tube feeders with small perches are ideal for smaller birds like chickadees and finches, says Mizejewski.
Choosing quality birdseed is essential.
Birds need good food to stay healthy and strong.
High-quality seed mixes are formulated to provide essential nutrients, explains Mizejewski.
Birds are selective with what they eat.
Cheap seed mixes often contain fillers that offer minimal nutritional value, Mizejewski says.
Dont use cheap feeds!
You get what you pay for, says Karr.
The discarded seed can attract rodents, too.
Hawks, owls, and falcons might see your feeder as a reliable source of prey, says Mizejewski.
Keep in mind, squirrels are hard to outsmart, and they are fast learners, says Karr.
I have put feeders in bad spots, and the squirrels carried the feeder off.
Where is an ideal place to put a bird feeder?
Hang feeders near trees and shrubs away from open areas where hawks can quickly swoop down, says Mizejewski.
A good rule of thumb is choosing trees and branches that arent easily accessible for both squirrels and predators.
Karr says one benefit of placing feeders by the window is that squirrels cant usually get to them.
You will create a whole ecosystem in your yard.
Birds eat insects and caterpillars, so growing plants that entice these creatures brings more birds to your yard.
Shelter
Consider growing different-sized plants to create shelter for birds.
Shelter provides protection from predators and extreme weather conditions, explains Mizejewski.
you might also provide bird houses.
Birds are able to conserve energy by not having to fly around looking for a safe place.
Each bird species has different preferences for water access.
Birdbaths provide a shallow dish for birds to drink and bathe inno deeper than 3 inches, says Mizejewski.
Water sourcesdont have to be on the ground.
Birds prefer natural nesting materials like twigs, leaves, moss, and dried grasses, says Mizejewski.
The toxins can harm the birds you want to attract.
Keep Cats Away
Cute as cats are, your favorite feline can be a threat to birds.
When putting up a bird feeder, think about areas your cat cant reach.
How can you minimize your cat hunting down the very birds you want to entice to your backyard?
Keep cats indoors, especially during dawn and dusk when birds are more active, says Mizejewski.
The work isnt overyou needa cleaning routineto keep the bird feeder hygienic.
Seeds can become moldy when they sit too long in a feeder, especially in humid weather.
How often should you clean a bird feeder?
A thorough cleaning is necessary to prevent disease, mold, or mildew from forming.
Wash bird feeders in hot water with soap.
Want to disinfect them?
Use brushes or pipe cleaners to get in the crevices of feeders, says Karr.
Allow all washed feeders to dry out before filling again.
