Having a bird feeder in your backyard can provide hours of entertainment as you watch the birds come and go. However, sometimes birds may not frequent your feeder as often as you’d like. There are several things you can do to make your bird feeder more appealing to local birds.
What kind of food should I put in my bird feeder?
The type of food you put in your bird feeder will play a major role in how often birds visit. Here are some tips for selecting the best foods:
- Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite of many common backyard birds like chickadees, nuthatches, finches, and cardinals. The high fat content provides birds with the energy they need.
- Nyjer seed attracts finches and pine siskins. This tiny, thistle-like seed is small enough for these petite birds.
- Suet provides fat and protein for insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens.
- Fruit like raisins, currants, chopped fruit can attract tanagers, bluebirds, orioles, and other fruit-loving species.
- Mealworms are relished by robins, bluebirds, wrens, and other birds that eat insects. Live or dried mealworms are an excellent source of protein.
Aim for a mix of seeds and nuts, and rotate different food types to attract the widest variety of bird species throughout the year. Make sure to get bird seed from a local pet store or bird supply retailer that has high turnover to ensure the seed is fresh.
Should I get a bird feeder with a tray or a tube?
Tube feeders and tray feeders both have their advantages for different types of birds:
- Tube feeders are ideal for birds that can cling like finches and chickadees. The seed is Gravity-fed through small openings that songbirds can easily access.
- Platform or tray feeders are perfect for birds that prefer perching like doves and cardinals. They allow easy access to food.
- Mesh tube feeders allow access for smaller birds while preventing larger bully birds from taking over.
- Suet feeders have small openings and tail props ideal for woodpeckers and nuthatches.
Having both a tube feeder and a platform feeder in your yard will accommodate the largest variety of birds. Place feeders at different heights and in both sheltered and open areas to attract birds with different preferences.
Where should I place my bird feeder?
Birds feel safest and most comfortable feeding in certain locations. Consider the following tips for bird feeder placement:
- Place feeders within 3 to 10 feet of trees or shrubs so birds have a place to perch and hide after eating.
- Avoid exposed, windy areas that could leave birds feeling vulnerable.
- Angle feeders so birds can see any approaching predators as they feed.
- Placing feeders at different heights and areas attracts the most diverse bird species.
- Set up a water source like a bird bath or dripping water within 20 feet of your feeders.
Should my bird feeder be covered or open?
Both open and covered feeders have their advantages:
- Open feeders allow birds to access the food easily. However, seeds can get wet in rainy or snowy weather.
- Covered feeders protect the seeds and keep them fresher longer. However, the openings are smaller so fewer birds can feed at once.
For the widest variety of birds, it’s best to have one open feeder and one covered feeder in your yard. Place the covered feeder in an exposed area and the open feeder in a more sheltered location.
How often should I clean my bird feeder?
To keep birds healthy, it’s important to clean your feeders regularly. Here are some bird feeder cleaning tips:
- Clean feeders at least once every 2-4 weeks.
- Disassemble feeders and use a dilute bleach solution to kill bacteria and fungi.
- For wooden feeders, use a stiff brush to remove debris and then apply a bird-safe wood sealer annually.
- Rinse feeders thoroughly and let dry completely before refilling.
- Wear rubber gloves during the cleaning process.
Cleaning the feeder area under the feeder is also important to prevent disease. Rake or sweep away old seed hulls, droppings and other debris under your feeders regularly.
How can I discourage squirrels?
Squirrels are a common nuisance at bird feeders. Here are some tips to discourage them:
- Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close access to the seed when squirrels climb on.
- Select feeders with metal ports and perches that squirrels can’t chew.
- Place feeders on poles with predator guards or baffles that prevent squirrels from climbing up.
- Set up feeders at least 5-6 feet off the ground and 10-12 feet from trees and roof edges.
- Use fat and hot pepper-coated seed mixes that squirrels dislike.
- Install a squirrel-proof feeder box or cage with openings only large enough for smaller birds.
Persistence and using multiple deterrents will eventually convince squirrels to look elsewhere for food.
What feeder styles are best for different birds?
Certain feeder designs are better suited for some birds:
Bird Type | Recommended Feeder Style |
---|---|
Finches, chickadees, titmice | Tube feeders |
Cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings | Platform or hopper feeders |
Doves, jays | Large platform feeders |
Orioles | Nectar feeders |
Hummingbirds | Nectar feeders with perches |
Woodpeckers, nuthatches | Suet feeders |
Purple martins | Gourd houses |
Choose feeders with appropriate seed ports, perches, and tail props to attract certain backyard birds while discouraging others. Don’t forget water sources like birdbaths and drippers for drinking and bathing.
Should I offer both seeds and suet?
Offering both bird seeds and suet can increase the diversity of birds that visit your yard. Here’s how they benefit different species:
- Seeds attract small songbirds like finches, sparrows, chickadees, and doves.
- Suet provides needed fat and protein for woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens, and other insect-eating birds.
Purchase suet plugs or make your own by combining rendered beef fat, peanut butter, corn meal, oats, dried fruit, and seeds. Offer seeds from tube or platform feeders and suet from tail-prop cage feeders.
What are the best seeds for small birds?
Small birds have tiny beaks suited for eating petite seeds. Here are some top seed choices for small birds:
- Niger seed – A favorite of finches, redpolls, and pine siskins
- Nyjer seed – Attracts goldfinches, siskins, and other tiny feeder birds
- Fine hulled sunflower – Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and juncoes love these small black seeds
- Cracked corn – Juncos, sparrows, doves, and quail will eat small cracked corn
- Millet – Attracts sparrows, juncos, cowbirds, blackbirds and other small ground feeders
- Thistle seed – Smaller songbirds like goldfinches eat these tiny black seeds
Offer seeds formulated specifically for small birds and use tube feeders with small ports that allow access for tiny beaks only. This prevents larger birds from taking over the feeder.
What are the best seeds for large birds?
Birds with larger beaks prefer bigger seeds they can easily crack open. Some top choices for larger birds include:
- Safflower seed – Cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and titmice
- Black oil sunflower – Woodpeckers, jays, grackles, cardinals, finches
- Striped sunflower – Similar birds as black oil sunflower seeds
- Shelled peanuts – Jays, woodpeckers, crows, titmice, chickadees
- Raisins and currants – Orioles, woodpeckers, thrushes, catbirds
- Whole dried corn – Jays, crows, doves, pheasant, quail
Use platform feeders to accommodate larger birds. Clean up fallen seeds to discourage rodents and insects.
How can I attract orioles?
Orioles are brightly colored birds that migrate through many backyards each spring and fall. You can attract them with these tactics:
- Offer orange halves, sliced grapes, and jelly to entice them initially.
- Provide nectar in bright orange or yellow oriole feeders.
- Hang strands of citrus fruit peel and raisins near feeders.
- Place oriole feeders in open areas near trees, 10 to 15 feet high.
- Have feeders ready by mid-April when orioles return each year.
Orioles prefer fruit, nectar, and jelly over seed. Providing some of their favorite treats will keep these beautiful birds coming to your yard.
What are the best nectar feeders for hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds can only feed on liquid nectar. Here are tips for the best hummingbird feeders and nectar:
- Select a feeder with small perches and feeding ports sized for hummingbird beaks and tongues.
- Use a nectar with a 1:4 sugar to water ratio. Boil water first to avoid mold.
- Avoid red dye since it is unhealthy for hummers. Stick to clear nectar.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather, 4 days in cooler temps.
- Clean feeders weekly with a diluted bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.
- Place feeders in shade to prevent nectar from spoiling rapidly in sunlight.
Having fresh nectar in clean hummingbird feeders will attract these flying jewels to your garden all season long.
Conclusion
With a little trial and error, you can make your bird feeder irresistible to local birds. Choose quality seeds and nuts suited for different species. Select feeders that accommodate birds of various sizes and feeding styles. Place feeders in optimal locations for safety and comfort. Maintain cleanliness to keep birds healthy. Follow these tips to see more varied birds flocking to your backyard feeder.