When it comes to placing bird feeders, one of the most common questions is whether they should be positioned in a sunny or shady location. Both sun and shade have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to attracting birds and keeping food fresh. Here we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding where to hang your feeder.
The benefits of sun
Positioning feeders in sunny spots has a few potential benefits:
- Warms the feeder area, making it more comfortable for birds to dine
- Allows fresh seed to dry out after rain or snow, reducing mold
- Makes the feeder visible and attractive to birds from afar
Birds are cold-blooded, so they rely on external heat sources to warm their bodies. A feeder that’s warmed by the sun’s rays gives birds a more comfortable place to perch and feed. This may encourage them to visit the feeder more often and linger longer.
Sunshine can also help dry out damp seed. Bird food that gets wet in rain or snow can easily grow mold. But when positioned in sunshine, the surfaces of the feed and feeder dry out faster between rainfalls or snowstorms. This reduces chances of waste and illness due to moldy food.
Finally, bright, sunlit feeders are highly visible. The sunlight reflects off the feeder, drawing the eyes of birds from considerable distances. This can attract more winged visitors compared to hidden, shadowed feeders.
The benefits of shade
While sun has some benefits, shade offers advantages too:
- Protects feed from spoiling as quickly
- Allows birds to cool off
- Creates cover near the feeder
Heat and sunlight can accelerate the degradation of bird food. Seeds with high oil content, like sunflower and suet, are particularly prone to going rancid after prolonged sun exposure. Situating feeders in shaded spots helps keep food fresher for longer.
Birds also need shade for cooling down, just like they need sun for warmth. Access to shady areas allows birds to reduce their body temperature and avoid overheating. Providing both sun and shade allows them to adjust their comfort as needed.
Shaded feeders are often close to or under trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. This protective cover makes birds feel more secure while they’re eating. Skittish species may prefer shaded feeders with nearby escape routes.
The ideal combination: Sun in the morning, shade in the afternoon
The most strategic placement combines the positives of both sun and shade. Situating the feeder where it’s in sunlight during the cooler morning hours, then transitions to shade as the day heats up, offers the best of both worlds.
The advantages of this set up include:
- Morning sun helps dry dew and melt frost
- Warms the feeder area for birds in the cool A.M. hours
- Sunlight deters nocturnal pests like raccoons
- Afternoon shade keeps feed fresher
- Prevents overheating during hot afternoons
- Lets birds escape the heat
Ideally, the feeder will be positioned on the east side of a building or under a tree branch that shades it by midday. This gives birds the warmth and visibility they crave in the mornings along with the protection and cooling they need in the afternoons.
Other factors influencing feeder placement
Sun versus shade isn’t the only consideration when placing feeders. A few other factors include:
- Feeder type: Clear plastic tube feeders show off colorful seed but heat up in sunlight. Metal mesh feeders allow airflow to keep seed cool.
- Bird preferences: Species like mourning doves prefer platform feeders on the ground in open sun. Woodpeckers like suet feeders against tree trunks.
- House layout: Position the feeder in view of indoor seating areas for enjoyment. Avoid locations where reflected light will create a glare.
- Convenience: Place feeders where you can easily reach them for cleaning and filling.
Think about the feeder style, birds you want to attract, and your home’s layout. Factor in proximity to protective cover, access to natural light or shade, and accessibility for refilling. The ideal placement balances your needs and preferences with those of your wild visitors.
Tips for sunny feeder placement
If you opt to situate your feeder in a sunny location, here are some tips:
- Select durable metal or recycled plastic feeders that won’t degrade in UV light.
- Use metal mesh feeders that allow air circulation to keep seed dry.
- Hang the feeder under an overhang or awning to provide periodic shade.
- Choose sunflower, safflower, nyjer, and other heat-tolerant seeds.
- Refrain from using suet, which can melt in hot temps.
- Check feed more often to ensure it isn’t spoiled or wet.
- Move the feeder to a new location periodically so the ground underneath doesn’t get muddy.
With a durable feeder filled with fresh, sun-loving seed, you can create an attractive sunlit dining spot for feathered friends.
Here is an example data table showing heat tolerance of different bird seed types:
Seed Type | Heat Tolerance |
---|---|
Black oil sunflower | High |
Safflower | High |
Nyjer | Moderate |
Millet | Low |
Cracked corn | Low |
Tips for shady feeder placement
If shade is your preferred feeding location, try these tips:
- Select a sheltered spot under a tree, shrub, eve, or overhang.
- Position the feeder near branches or brush piles birds can flee into.
- Use mesh feeders or trays to allow moisture to evaporate.
- Offer suet, nut blends, and other seed types prone to spoiling.
- Supplement feed with fruit like oranges, grapes, and berries.
- Clean and disinfect shaded feeders regularly to deter mold.
- Consider moving the feeder occasionally to give the ground cover time to recover.
With the right feeder setup and location, you can provide a cool, sheltered oasis for your feathered visitors.
Conclusion
Ultimately there’s no universally “right” or “wrong” answer when choosing sun or shade for bird feeders. Each has pros and cons relating to feed preservation, bird comfort, and feeder visibility. The optimum placement depends on your specific circumstances.
As a general rule of thumb, most birds and birders benefit from situating feeders in morning sun then afternoon shade. This provides a warm and inviting space in the cooler mornings along with protection from heat and spoilage later in the day.
Beyond sun versus shade, tailor feeder placement to your home layout, landscaping, preferred bird species, and convenience. And don’t be afraid to experiment! Shift around feeder locations periodically and observe how birds respond. You may be surprised at what placement they prefer.
With a little strategic placement and patience, your feeder can become both a warmth oasis for birds in winter and a shady retreat in summer. By providing a space that suits birds’ needs all day long, you’ll reap the rewards of increased bird visits and diversity in your yard.