Birdwatching is a popular hobby for people of all ages. Setting up a feeding station in your backyard or garden can attract beautiful, colorful birds up close for convenient viewing. With some simple materials and a bit of know-how, you can create an inviting space for local birds to visit again and again.
What are the benefits of a bird feeding station?
There are many benefits to setting up a dedicated bird feeding area:
- Brings beautiful birds close to your home – Enjoy watching songbirds, woodpeckers, finches and more from your window or while relaxing outdoors.
- Offers convenience for birdwatching – No need to go out searching, just let the birds come to you!
- Helps birds survive challenging seasons – Extra food during harsh winters and dry summers can be a lifeline for birds.
- Supports species diversity – Different foods will attract different species to your backyard.
- Fun education opportunity – Learn to identify common backyard birds in your region.
What do you need to set up a bird feeding station?
Setting up a basic bird feeding station is relatively simple. Here are some of the main components you’ll need:
- Bird feeders – Tube feeders, hopper feeders, suet feeders and nectar feeders for different food types.
- Bird food – High quality birdseed, suet cakes, dried mealworms, nectar, etc.
- Bird bath/water source – A shallow basin, fountain or mister provides fresh water.
- Pole/hanger system – For mounting feeders and baths at proper height.
- Shelter – Trees, shrubs, brush piles give birds cover from predators.
Other helpful items include perches near feeders, gravel or mulch for the ground, and houses or boxes for nesting. Be sure to choose good visibility for yourself without impeding birds’ safety.
Where should you put a bird feeding station?
Location is key when placing feeding stations. Here are some tips on choosing sites:
- Near trees or bushes – For quick access to protective cover.
- Avoid high traffic areas – Cats or too much noise will deter birds.
- Sheltered from wind and rain – Keeps food dry longer.
- Good visibility – Place feeders where you can see them through a window.
- Partial sun – Helps keep nectar from fermenting.
- Regular cleaning access – Pick a spot you can easily reach.
What types of bird feeders are best?
There are feeders made specifically for different bird foods. Here are some top feeder styles:
Feeder | Best For | Birds It Attracts |
---|---|---|
Tube Feeder | Seeds, sunflower hearts | Finches, chickadees, nuthatches |
Hopper/House Feeder | Seeds, blends | Sparrows, juncos, cardinals |
Suet Feeders | Suet cakes, nut butter | Woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches |
Nectar Feeders | Nectar, fruit juice | Hummingbirds, orioles |
Platform/Tray Feeder | Mixed seeds, fruit | Doves, jays, grosbeaks |
Try offering a variety to attract the greatest diversity of feathered friends!
What food do wild birds eat from feeders?
Different birds have different dietary preferences. Some common foods to try include:
- Seeds – Black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer thistle, safflower seeds, mixed seed blends.
- Suet – Suet cakes or dough, fruit/nut suet mixes, insect suet cakes.
- Fruit – Halved oranges, berries, grapes, raisins, chopped fruit.
- Nectar – Liquid nectar mixes, diluted fruit juices.
- Mealworms – Dried mealworms offered live or mixed into suet.
- Peanuts – Whole or chopped peanuts and peanut butter.
- Corn – Cracked corn kernels.
- Nyjer – Nyjer seed offered in specialty feeders.
Cater to birds’ preferences and seasons to get the most visitors!
How do you set up and mount bird feeders?
Once you’ve selected your feeder models, proper set up and installation is important. Here are some tips:
- Use a mounted pole system or hang from trees/hooks to deter squirrels.
- Adjust height so feeder openings are at eye level – about 5-6 feet high.
- Space multiple feeders 3-10 feet apart to reduce crowding.
- Place feeders near trees or shrubs for quick escape but not right against them.
- If hanging, use wire or metal hooks instead of string, which can rot.
- Install feeder poles or posts securely in ground or use concrete footing.
Pole system method
Pole installation steps:
- Select pole height and diameter based on number/size of feeders.
- Dig a hole approximately 1 foot deep and 6-12 inches wide.
- Insert bottom 3 feet of pole in hole, use gravel for drainage.
- Fill around pole with concrete to stabilize.
- Once dry, attach feeders at desired heights with holders.
Hanging method
Hanging setup steps:
- Select sturdy tree branches or install hooks into eaves/beams.
- Use coated wire/cable or weather-resistant rope to hang feeders.
- Adjust hanging lengths to get right feeder height.
- For multiple feeders, vary hanging lengths to stagger heights.
- Use quick link clasps between cable/rope and feeder hanger.
How do you position bird baths/water sources?
Water is just as important as food for attracting birds. Here are tips on providing it:
- Place baths/basins on the ground or mounted on poles.
- Situate within 10-15 feet of feeders for easy access.
- Add water features like fountains or drippers if electricity available.
- Use a heater in winter to keep water ice-free.
- Replenish water daily or more in hot weather.
- Clean baths weekly to prevent disease.
What are the best bird feeding tips and practices?
Follow these tips once your bird feeding station is set up:
- Offer a variety of foods to attract more species.
- Use quality seeds/mixes and discard moldy food.
- Adjust food amounts to prevent waste from uneaten food.
- Clean feeders weekly with mild soap and water.
- Rotate feeder locations periodically to expose different birds.
- Avoid handling birds – observe them from a distance.
- Prevent window collisions with decals or hang ribbons/strings.
How do you maintain a bird feeding station?
Regular maintenance keeps your station looking good and safe for visiting birds. Do the following:
- Daily – Refill empty feeders, clean and top off water sources.
- Weekly – Brush down or hose off feeder poles/stations. Remove old food and clean feeders.
- Monthly – Disinfect feeders/baths with 10% bleach solution. Fertilize/treat any landscaping.
- Seasonally – Make any needed repairs. Move feeders to refresh birds’ interest.
- Yearly – Replace any worn-out feeders, perches, poles, etc. Consider adding new feeder styles.
How do you choose the right bird feeders for the location?
Tailor your feeder selection to your specific setting. Consider these factors:
- Yard size – In smaller spaces opt for hanging feeders over poles to save room.
- Predators – Squirrel-proof feeders if they’re problematic. Use poles/baffles to deter larger pests.
- Weather conditions – Select durable materials that won’t degrade in sun/rain. Get chew-proof feeders if squirrels are an issue.
- Types of birds – Pick feeders that match birds’ feeding preferences and habits in your area.
- Number of birds – Scale number and size of feeders to match typical activity volume.
- Convenience – Place feeders and baths so they’re easy for you to access and maintain.
Conclusion
Attracting beautiful wild birds to your backyard habitat can be simple and rewarding. By providing a diversity of tailored feeders and foods, fresh water, and some cover, you’ll create an enticing pit stop for many species. Pay attention to placement, maintenance and safety. Be patient – once discovered, your new feathery friends will return again and again to your custom feeding station.