When Hanging a Bird Feeder
- Choose a location out of the strongest winds to minimize swaying that can discourage birds and spill seed. ...
- Check the sturdiness of the hook, branch, pole, or gutter where the feeder will be hung. ...
- Ideally, hang bird feeders in shaded areas to protect seed, nectar, and suet from excessive spoilage. ...
Full Answer
Where is the best place to hang a hummingbird feeder?
Where to hang a hummingbird feeder – 4 ideas
- Porch, deck or patio. If you have a covered porch, deck or patio you can simply use a little screw in utility hook to hang your feeder from.
- Bird feeder pole. Using a bird feeder pole or shepherds hook is a very common way to hang a hummingbird feeder. ...
- A tree. ...
- Your window. ...
How high should I hang my bird feeder?
- Hang feeders close to existing nests. ...
- Hang feeders under telephone wires where bluebirds perch
- Hang feeders by trees where bluebirds congregate Place bluebird feeders away from other larger-bird feeders
- Don’t place near other bird feeders
- Permanently place feeders about 100 feet away from nests
- Place near water
Where is the best place to hang an Oriole feeder?
- Place bird feeders 3 feet or less from windows or 30+ feet away
- Add screens to windows to break up the reflection
- Place reflective decals on windows
- Use deer net to cushion the blow
- Paint decorations on the windows
- Add branches, streamers or other material to the window to show the surface of the glass
Where to hang hummingbird feeder sun or shade?
Where to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder
- Hummingbird Garden. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. ...
- On or Near a Kitchen or Office Window. If you are frequently in the kitchen or office, this might be the best place for you to hang your feeder.
- Hanging From a Gutter, Awning, or Gazebo. ...
- Within 10 to 12 Feet of a Protective Cover. ...
Where should you hang bird feeders?
Bird feeders are best hung in a place where your visiting birds feel safe from predators. Most important: Avoid open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang feeders too close to any place where squirrels can jump on them, or too low they are within a cat's reach.
Should bird feeders be in the sun or shade?
A sheltered southeastern exposure is best for hanging a bird feeder since birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind. Birds also prefer to have a clear view over their feeding area so they can see any predators.
Do birds like feeders high or low?
Best Bird Feeder Heights Cardinals and finches (feed at lower levels) – approximately eye level, 5-6 feet. Woodpeckers (feed higher in trees) – 6-10 feet. Hummingbirds (feed from flowering bushes and vines) – 3-6 feet. Sparrows and towhees (ground feeders) – 1-5 feet.
Where should I hang my bird feeder without trees?
If you're tight on garden space, wall brackets offer a great solution for hanging bird feeders to a solid structural wall. These are ideal to position on a brick wall of a house, walled shed or outhouse. Simply place the wall bracket up high for the bird feeder, so it's still within easy reach to clean.
How do you attract birds to a new feeder?
Birds generally find their food by sight. Placing your feeder where it will be visible to them should decrease the time it takes for birds to start feeding. Sometimes sprinkling some seed on the ground or on top of the feeder will let the birds know that you are open for business.
How close to the house can I put a bird feeder?
Place your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or be sure they are within 3 feet (this is why window feeders are okay to use).
What is most important for attracting a bird to a feeder?
Offer a Variety of Foods to Attract Birds to Feeders Feeders full of seeds, suet, sugar water and fruit, such as oranges and grape jelly, will delight your winged guests. Also, consider hanging different styles of feeders around your garden to boost the appeal.
What birds do you not want at your feeder?
Among the most common bully birds you'll find at feeders are:American crows.rock pigeons.brown-headed cowbirds.common grackles.magpies.blue jays.red-winged blackbirds.house sparrows.More items...
How do birds know when you put up a bird feeder?
How do the birds know I filled the feeder? Birds find newly filled feeders using their excellent eyesight and listening to other birds fighting excitedly over food. They are constantly searching for food sources and investigate new objects in their territory.
What color bird feeder attracts the most birds?
Best Colors to Attract BirdsRed and Pink: Hummingbirds.Orange: Orioles, hummingbirds.Yellow: Goldfinches, warblers, hummingbirds.Blue: Bluebirds, jays.
How far off the ground should a bird feeder be?
about five feetPole-mounted feeders should be about five feet off the ground and protected by a cone-shaped baffle (at least 17 inches diameter) or similar obstacle below the feeder. Locate pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet from the nearest shrub, tree, or other tall structure.
What direction should a bird feeder face?
What direction should a birdhouse face? A birdhouse and its entrance hole should face away from prevailing winds. In the United States, it's very common for a birdhouse to face east, which is often faced away from the prevailing wind and the strong afternoon sun.
Can you put a bird feeder in full sun?
You can place bird feeders in both sunny and shady spots. Most birds prefer feeders to have some sun and some shade. Feeders are easier to see in sunny spots, so a bird feeder here will receive more visitors.
Is direct sunlight good for birds?
Sunlight requirements for birds A minimum of 30 minutes of direct sunlight exposure per week is recommended for adequate Vitamin D production, but the more you can give them, the better.
What direction should a bird feeder face?
What direction should a birdhouse face? A birdhouse and its entrance hole should face away from prevailing winds. In the United States, it's very common for a birdhouse to face east, which is often faced away from the prevailing wind and the strong afternoon sun.
What color bird feeder do birds prefer?
However, a few studies have pointed to science-based findings about the role color plays in bird houses and bird feeders: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds found that blue was the most popular color in the summer months. Surprisingly, their study found the color silver was popular all year long.
When Should You Hang Bird Feeders?
The most popular time to hang bird feeders is in the spring and summer. Birds often abound and their presence is more easily noticed.
Why is it important to place bird feeders near windows?
The placement of your bird feeder near or far from a window is important because it can mean death for the very birds you are feeding. If your feeders are placed near a window, then birds leaving the feeder are more likely to crash into the glass and die. So, if you want to bird watch, make sure to place the feeder 3 feet or less from the window. ...
Why is it important to put a bird feeder in your yard?
But, it’s important to place bird feeders in the right places so that birds can stay safe, be seen, and attract birds to your yard and garden.
Why do birds crash into my window?
This makes the birds less likely to see and crash into your windows as a result of trying to feed. If your yard or apartment layout makes it impossible to have the bird feeder very far or very close to your window, then you can break up the reflection on your windows.
How to protect birds from cats?
Add a bell to feline collars to warn birds. Place feeders 5-10 feet from poles, branches, and tree trunks. Place feeders within 10 feed of bushes, trees and other protection. Trees can be dangerous and protective for birds. Cats can climb trees, but they also protect birds from birds of prey.
How far should a bird feeder be from a tree?
Birds like to eat in the sunshine. Feeders should be at least 10-15 feet from tree trunks, poles, and branches large enough for cats to climb. But, they should also be within 10-15 feet of shelter so that your birds have protection from the sky. Hawks, eagles, and other predatory birds love smaller birds for lunch.
How to keep birds from jumping on my cat?
There are several things you can do. First, put a bell around your cat’s neck. This helps to warn birds of an oncoming predator. It doesn’t create 100% safety for the birds but will help. Next, place your bird feeders close to a shelter , but not so close a cat can jump and catch the birds. This can be tricky.
What are the best places to feed birds?
Feeders close to natural shelter such as trees or shrubs offer resting places for birds between feeding bouts and a quick refuge if a hawk flies through. Evergreens are ideal—their thick foliage buffers winter winds and offers year-round hiding places from predators.
Why is my bird feeder blowing out?
If the seed in the feeder is blowing out or getting wet, it may be too exposed for birds to be comfortable, too. Try moving the feeder to a calmer, more sheltered spot.
Is it safe to put a bird feeder in the window?
You’ll want to make sure the feeder is in a place that’s relatively safe from window collisions and from predators . Perhaps counterintuitively, feeders are safest when they’re closest to windows—because if a bird takes off from the feed er and hits the window, it won’t be going at top speed and has a better chance of surviving.
Can birds visit my seed feeder?
When you first set up a feeding station, you may have no feeder visitors. Be patient—the local birds first have to discover the new food source. As with any new restaurant, you may need to do a little advertising to get some clients—if no birds visit your seed feeder within a few days of setting it up, try sprinkling seeds on the ground nearby to make the feeder more obvious. If birds congregate nearby but just don’t come to your feeder, sprinkle seed between the favored area and the feeder.
How to keep a bird feeder in good shape?
Refilling: Placing a feeder in an area where it will be easy to refill can help you keep the feeder in good shape to attract more birds. If you need a stepladder or special tools to refill a feeder each time, you may be less likely to keep it filled, cleaned, or repaired properly.
What are the factors to consider when choosing where to hang bird feeders?
The most important factors to consider when choosing where to hang bird feeders are those that affect how the birds will see and use the feeder. If birds do not find the placement comfortable, safe, or convenient, they will not use the feeder as frequently.
Why spread bird feeders out?
Spreading feeders out over a greater distance can allow more birds the chance to feed and help lessen the risk of spreading diseases at bird feeders .
Why do birds need to see feeders?
Visibility: Birds need to see a feeder before they will readily visit it. Placing feeders in a sunny, open area makes them more visible to passing birds. This placement also gives feeding birds a good field of view to stay on the lookout for predators and other threats.
Why do you want to feed birds?
Most birders want to enjoy the benefits of feeding birds, such as attracting more species, seeing birds up close, building a yard list, and identifying new feeder visitors. By choosing your bird feeder placement to meet your needs, you will be able to enjoy each feeder just as much as the birds. To maximize that enjoyment, consider:
How to attract birds to a feeding station?
Use colors to attract birds to a feeding station by adding nearby flowers, flower pots, or decorative items to catch their attention. Take steps to get birds to use a new feeder by providing their favorite seeds and other popular foods for them to try.
How long does it take for birds to find a feeder?
No matter where you place your feeders, it may take several days or weeks for the birds to find the feeding station and make the best use of it. To encourage the birds to enjoy your careful bird feeder placement:
Where is the best place to position your bird feeder?
There is a lot to think about when choosing the right location to hang your bird feeder. Run through our checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
How do I hang a bird feeder without a tree?
Hanging a bird feeder in a tree often comes to mind as this is a location where birds will naturally be found. But you don’t have to have trees in your garden to attract birds, there are numerous other locations to hang a feeder:
How to attract birds to a hanging bird feeder
Avoid toxic chemicals in the garden and make sure the fat balls you use do not use plastic netting (hang them in a variety of fat ball feeders ).
Why hang a bird feeder?
Ready-Made Design: Because most feeders are already designed to be hung, extra attachments or hardware is not usually required ...
How to prevent a bird feeder from falling?
Check the feeder and its hook and cord regularly for signs of wear or damage that could cause the feeder to fall. It is easy to do this check each time the feeder is refilled.
What are the benefits of a bird feeder?
Benefits of Hanging Feeders 1 Ready-Made Design: Because most feeders are already designed to be hung, extra attachments or hardware is not usually required to hang the feeder. A simple hook or a length of twine, rope, chain, or cord is all that is typically needed to hang a new bird feeder instantly. If the feeder already has a large enough built-in hook or loop, even that may not be necessary. 2 Location Convenience: Hanging feeders can be hung from gutters, poles, garden hooks, trees, arbors, arches, or other locations so long as a hook or cord can secure them. This allows these feeders to be positioned in many easy places for convenient refilling and satisfying bird watching. It also creates safe places for birds, which will readily visit. 3 Off the Ground: When feeders are hung several feet above the ground, that height offers birds additional protection from predators. Hanging feeders are also less accessible to mice, and while creative wildlife may still reach them, it is easier to protect hanging feeders from disturbances. Hung properly, feeders can even be inaccessible to squirrels or other popular raiders.
What to do if a bird feeder falls?
When a feeder falls, scrutinize it for any damage, and if necessary, repair or replace the feeder. Examine the cord and hook to see if they can be reused, and check the location where the feeder was hung for any indication of problems that could cause additional falls or spills in the future.
How to check if a bird feeder is secure?
Check the sturdiness of the hook, branch, pole, or gutter where the feeder will be hung. Test that it will stay firmly secure even when the feeder is filled with heavy seed and visited by active birds.
What to use to keep birdseed dry?
If needed to deter pests, you should use a baffle above a hanging feeder. This also helps shed rain or snow and keeps birdseed dry, so it does not spoil as quickly.
How to keep birds from spilling seed?
Choose a location out of the strongest winds to minimize swaying that can discourage birds and spill seed. Also keep feeders away from busy traffic areas such as sidewalks and pathways where they could be bumped or tipped.
Where is best to place blackbird feeders?
Certain birds such as blackbirds, chaffinches, and some thrushes are ground feeders .
How to get birds to see feeders?
Not only do the birds need to be able to spot the feeders, but you also need to be able to watch them . Place the feeders within a good viewing distance from a window, preferably one in a quiet room at a great enough distance to not disturb the birds.
What birds like suet?
For instance, woodpeckers like suet, so place suet feeders in trees, near to the trunk or thicker branches. Small agile birds such as blue tits, greenfinches, and house sparrows cope well with hanging feeders that move in the breeze. Hung from a feeding station or branch and loaded with crushed peanuts will attract these smaller species.
How to keep birds from eating my feeder?
Place a feeder n ear a water source. Birds need to drink and bathe often. If they stop for a drink they may also use your feeders.
Why put a T pole on a bird feeder?
A t all pole offers them protection from predators, it also stops the squirrels pinching food meany for birds. Put it in an open area so that they can easily spot anything coming. Somewhere that the feeders will be easily spotted, consider varying the food, and hanging them at lots of different heights.
Where do birds feed?
Birds will feed anywhere that they feel safe and secure. Their feeders need to be out in the open so that they can be easily spotted, but close enough to a hiding space that they can retreat to should a cat suddenly appear. Somewhere that doesn’t get too much direct sun or the worst of the winds is also ideal.
Where do cats hide in the garden?
Spots, where they can be shielded from the worst of the afternoon sun and wind, gets blocked. Cats often hide in bushes and shrubs, waiting for an opportune moment to ambush the birds. If you have no other spot to put the feeders consider placing bramble clippings around the base of the bush to deter the cats.
Different Options Where to Place Bird Feeders in Your Garden
Considerable Factors on Where to Place Bird Feeders
- Landscape
Look at different areas around your garden from a bird's perspective. Check if the food is easy to see, and think about how you can maximize the wildlife potential in your backyard. It should be more than merely a mass of brambles or some few trees and shrubs. The benefits of having hed… - Visibility
Placing feeders out in the open will also encourage more birds to come and visit your garden. When it comes to successful bird feeding, it's a thoughtful consideration to have a bird feeder where wild birds can easily spot it. You can build an effective bird feeder pole systemso t…
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best bird feeder location?
Location is everything when it comes to bird feeding. It can be tricky not to know where to place bird feeders. No bird will go to it if you happen to place a feeder in the middle of an open and featureless plot. The best feeder position is a conveniently visible spot with foliage nearby. Havi… - What should your hummingbird feeder contain?
Hummingbird feeders containing fuchsia, geraniums, and honeysuckle are attractive to hummers. The red colorattracts these bird species, as they relate red to being an excellent food source. You may also get these birds hooked on sugar water. These birds' dependence on nectar for their en…
Conclusion
- Having a clean bird bath, a bird house, and the appropriate feeder and bird food increases your chance of attracting these creatures. Learning where to put bird feeders and supplementing their needs make your garden an irresistible spot for any passing backyard bird. You might also want to consider having a bird feeding station than a single feeder, allowing multiple birds to feed concu…