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Watching birds from our windows as they enjoy the seeds and treats we provide is delightful. However, it can be frustrating when our efforts to attract them seem futile. By following this guide, you’ll ensure that birds are drawn to your feeder and happily enjoy the food you provide in no time! There are a number of ways to attract birds to your property, from including native plants to providing safe stopover areas for them to eat, drink and nest.
A simple birdbath is a great start. Change water every 2-3 days in summer and use a heater in the winter. Place the water container about 10 feet from dense shrubs or other cover that predators may use.
In order to attract birds, you’ll need to identify what kinds live in your region. By knowing what variety of birds are in your area, you’ll be better equipped to attract them to your property. We’ll do this by observing their habits, appearance and song. The Merlin Bird ID App is an efficient tool for this purpose. By posing three simple inquiries about the observed bird, the app generates potential matches. Additionally, it can recognize birds by their vocalizations and provides a regional bird list.
Once you’ve identified some prevalent birds in your region, you can move on to the next step!
Most birds eat a high-fat diet, so filling feeders with mixed nuts, black sunflower seeds, and peanut butter will attract most birds year-round. Other appropriate foods for birds include cheeses, fruit, mealworms, and cracked corn. You can supplement your birdseed with egg shells if prepared properly. Rinse your used eggshells and bake them for 10 minutes at 450°F. After they have cooled, crush them and place them in your feeder.
Please remember certain types of food should be omitted from bird feeders. This includes:
Table scraps not only will attract more rodents than birds, but could also spread bacteria to entire bird colonies. Additionally, ensure that the food being placed in the feeder is not spoiled, meaning no rotten food or spoiled birdseed.
What seed to give different birds is also dependent on how they eat. Next, we’ll get into what kind of feeder you should use for different birds, and what goes in them.
When choosing a bird feeder, it is essential to consider the range of available feeder types. Each type of feeder is best suited to specific bird feed, which, in turn, attracts distinct bird species. It is imperative to select a feeder that corresponds to the bird species prevalent in your region and those you wish to attract. Moreover, if there are specific bird species you prefer not to attract, refrain from choosing a feeder that caters to their preferences.
Tube feeders are best for feed that consists of black sunflower seeds, peanuts, mixed nuts, mealworms, and fruit. This diet and feeder will attract purple and house finches, siskins, and chickadees.
Best for safflower and sunflower seeds, cracked corn feed, mealworms, and mixed nuts. This will attract jays, cardinals, grackles, and redwing blackbirds.
These feeders will attract woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches. Suet feeders require seed cakes or balls, which you can make at home! One of the easiest ways to make them is to use rendered beef fat to hold together the approved birdseed. Make sure you remove any meat before you start. Mix any of the ingredients listed above with the rendered beef fat, put it into a bowl or storage container the size of your suet feeder, and put it in the freezer. Once solid, remove it from the mold and put it in your feeder.
Nectar bird feeders are a popular way to attract hummingbirds and other nectar-loving birds to your backyard. These feeders typically consist of a reservoir filled with a sugary solution, often made with sugar and water, which mimics the nectar found in flowers. Hummingbirds and other birds are drawn to the sweet taste and vibrant colors of the nectar. To ensure the health and safety of the birds, it’s important to clean the feeders regularly and avoid over-filling them, as spoiled nectar can attract harmful bacteria.
When establishing bird feeders, it is essential to prioritize the safety of the birds. Optimal feeder placement serves as a critical factor in ensuring this safety. Placing the feeder between 4 and 10 feet away from your home’s windows may result in birds colliding with the glass at high velocities. To mitigate this risk, positioning the feeder closer to the house can limit the birds’ flight speed, or placing it further away can eliminate potential confusion with the windows.
Furthermore, careful consideration should be given to the potential attraction of non-avian wildlife to the feeder. Proximity to structures, fences, and trees increases accessibility for squirrels, while feeders near trees and bushes can benefit raccoons. When these factors are not of concern, the feeder’s placement may be determined based on your convenience. It is imperative to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with the feeder’s positioning, ensuring a wildlife-friendly environment.
Once you’ve placed your feeder, fill it up! Now you can enjoy watching and listening to birds as they enjoy the tasty treat provided.
Bird feeders and waterers should be cleaned regularly and dried completely. This will keep them safe and healthy. If birds don’t find your feeder right away, be patient and give it at least a month in one spot before moving it. Once birds start coming to your feeder, make sure it is consistently full to continue attracting your new avian friends.
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