If you’re a bird lover, then you know that one of the best things about springtime is when the birds start coming back. And what’s the best way to welcome them? By putting out a bird feeder!
But if you want your backyard bird feeding to be successful, you need to put it in the right place, for you and your feathered friends.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best place to put bird feeders that the wild birds will enjoy, including the 5 best tips to make it easier for you as well as ensure you’ll be attracting birds to your backyard.
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Why Does the Placement of the Bird Feeder Matter?
Bird lovers rejoice! Nothing is more beautiful than being able to watch your backyard birds up close while they feed. But did you know that proper bird feeder placement can make a big difference in whether or not the birds will actually use it?
Birds are constantly on the lookout for danger, and if they don’t feel safe at your feeder, they will quickly move on to another location. By considering the needs of birds when you place bird feeders, you can be sure that you’ll attract and keep more of these beautiful creatures in your yard.
Best Place to Put Bird Feeders – 5 Tips
1 | Quiet location
You might be wondering why it is so important to place your bird feeder in a location that is not too busy or noisy. After all, most birds are naturally attracted to food sources, so shouldn’t they be able to find your feeder no matter where you put it?
However, there are a few good reasons to avoid placing your feeder in a busy or noisy location. First of all, birds are more likely to be frightened away by loud noises or sudden movements.
Furthermore, a busy location can make it difficult for birds to eat peacefully and without competition. In contrast, a quiet location will provide a peaceful and relaxing environment for your feathered friends.
So if you want to attract more birds to your yard, be sure to choose a location that is both quiet and secluded.
2 | Danger zone
What is the ‘danger zone’ for birds?
You want the birds to be able to enjoy the food you are putting out for them, but you also don’t want them crashing into your windows and getting hurt or killed.
The general rule of thumb is that you should place your bird feeder either within 3 feet of your home or building, or more than 10 feet away. For example, a window bird feeder is within three feet of your home and is a safe choice.
A feeder that is placed somewhere in your yard should be at least ten feet from your home or another structure.
This will help to ensure that the birds can see the feeder and enjoy the food, without putting themselves at risk of collision. So, when you’re ready to set up your bird feeder, keep this in mind and choose a spot that will be safe for our feathered friends.
3 | Trees and shrubs
Place your bird feeder close enough to trees and shrubs to provide the birds some protection from the elements and predators, but not so close that squirrels can access the feeders.
By placing the bird feeder near some trees and other types of natural cover, you are providing the birds with a place to rest and/or hide if they feel threatened. The closer the better in this case because it will give the birds less time to be exposed if they see a predator coming.
However, if you place the bird feeder too close to trees, then squirrels will be able to jump from the tree onto the feeder and eat all of the food before the birds have a chance to get any.
So try to find a happy medium where your bird feeder is close enough to provide some protection, but not so close that squirrels can reach it. Thank you for doing your part to help our feathered friends!
4 | Space between
When the placement of multiple bird feeders is considered, it is important not to put them too close together. The reason for this is that different types of birds have different preferences for food, and by putting feeders too close together, certain birds may be left out.
Additionally, putting feeders too close together can cause overcrowding, which can lead to aggressive behavior and even fighting among birds. By spacing out bird feeders, you can provide a better overall experience for the birds and ensure that everyone gets a fair share.
5| Water source
Many birds visit backyard bird feeders, and one of the key things you can do to attract them is to place the feeder close to a water source. By placing the feeder close to a water source, you provide two important things for the birds: food and water.
Birds need both in order to survive. While some birds will fly long distances to find food and water, others will not. So, by placing the feeder close to a water source, you are more likely to attract a wider variety of birds.
In addition, by providing both food and water, you are more likely to keep the birds coming back to your yard. So, if you want to attract more birds to your yard, be sure to place your bird feeder close to a water source.
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Which Type of Birdfeeder Do You Need?
When wondering how to attract birds to your yard, one of the first things you need to do is get the right feeder. There are many different types of bird feeders available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will accommodate the type of birds you’re hoping to attract.
For example, smaller birds like finches and chickadees tend to prefer tube feeders, while larger birds like cardinals and blue jays prefer hopper or platform feeders. Some birds such as doves and sparrows can be ground-feeding birds.
If you have hummingbirds in your neighborhood, they prefer a sugar solution in a nectar feeder.
If you’re not sure what type of feeder to get, your local bird store can offer some helpful guidance, including the best bird food to attract the species on your wish list.
Once you have the right feeder in place, be sure to fill it with high-quality bird seed that will appeal to your target species. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be able to enjoy watching a variety of feathered friends visit your backyard.
Proper Care of the Bird Feeders
A bird feeder is a great way to attract feathered friends to your yard or garden, and providing a clean, well-maintained feeder will help keep your feathered friends healthy and coming back for more. Here are a few tips for taking care of your bird feeder:
- Empty the feeder and wash it down regularly.
- Inspect the feeder for cracks or damage and repair or replace it as necessary.
- Use fresh bird seed, and don’t leave old seed in the feeder. Old seed can mold and make birds sick.
- Keep the area around the bird feeder clean, as it will also help deter rodents and other pests.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your bird feeder is a safe and inviting place for birds to visit.
Tips for Birders (Like You!) for Hanging Bird Feeders
We’ve discussed the important points when it comes to deciding the best place to put your bird feeder. And that is essential, my friend if you want the birds to come and visit your feeder.
But you also want to consider what will work for you as a bird lover and maintainer of the said bird feeder. So, here are a few tips for you!
One important factor to consider when placing your bird feeder is viewability. You want to be able to enjoy watching the birds as they feed, so it’s important to choose a spot that gives you a good view.
Another factor to consider is the ease of access. You’ll need to be able to clean and refill your bird feeder on a regular basis, so it’s important to choose a spot that is easy to reach.
Finally, keep in mind that the area under your bird feeder can get quite messy. Be sure to choose a spot that won’t be damaged by falling bird seed. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your bird feeder is both accessible and attractive.
FAQ
Should bird feeders be in the sun or shade?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different bird feeders work better in different locations. However it is generally recommended that bird feeders be placed in a shaded area. This is because birds can overheat in the sun, particularly when it is excessively hot outside.
Where should I hang my bird feeder without trees?
There are a few things to consider when deciding where to place your bird feeder if you don’t have trees. First, you’ll want to make sure the feeder is in a location that is easy for you to refill and clean.
Second, consider the type of birds you’re hoping to attract – some birds prefer open spaces while others like being near bushes or trees. If you’re not sure, do some research on the types of birds that are common in your area.
While there are a lot of different options, we think the best place to hang your bird feeder without trees is from a shepherd’s hook. Shepherd’s hooks are tall, slender pieces of metal that can be screwed into either the ground or a deck. They provide a stable place to hang your bird feeder while still being easy to move if you need to. Plus, they add a touch of whimsy to your yard!
How far from the house should a bird feeder be?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of birds you want to attract and the size of your yard.
In general, however, it is best to place the feeder at least 10 feet from any structures.
Conclusion: Best Place to Put Bird Feeders
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your bird feeder is both accessible and inviting to birds.
Be sure to consider things like viewability and the ease of access when choosing a spot for your feeder, as well as how messy the area will be under the feeder. And if you’re still unsure about where to put your feeder, check out our FAQ section for more advice!