attract birds to feeder
Tips for Drawing Birds to a New Bird Feeder
Autumn is a great time to set up bird feeders. Many birds migrate, making it a perfect chance to attract different species. Whether you’re adding a new feeder or trying to get birds to visit for the first time, it can be rewarding. I recently faced this challenge when my wife and I moved into a house with a big backyard.
I felt sad to leave the bird-friendly space I had created at our old home. But this change taught me valuable lessons about attracting birds to a new place.
Soon, our backyard buzzed with birds flocking to our feeder.
Here are some tips to draw birds to your feeder:
Watch Your Surroundings. The birds you draw in are probably ones that are already nearby.
Take some time to find out what bird species live nearby. Many companies sell birdseed for different feeding habits and preferences. Notice what birds visit your yard. This can help you pick the best food to offer. Also, watch where they like to gather. Once you figure that out, you can think like a biologist. What types of birds appear? How frequently do they come? How long do birds stay? What do they do? Answering these helps you choose the right feeder and its location (more on that soon). Good feeder spots often reflect natural bird hotspots in your yard. Instead of hurrying, relax and watch the birds visiting your space. This initial observation will be critical for your future success. Not seeing many birds? Try observing at different times throughout the day or under varied weather conditions. If the situation doesn’t improve, be prepared for a potentially extended wait.
Stay hopeful! Birds may find your feeder, even if it takes time.
Correct Placement I’ve mentioned this before, and it’s worth saying again. Where you put your bird feeder is very important.
Birds won’t come if they feel unsafe or have to work too hard. So, make sure your feeder is easy to see. Place it away from windows and other threats. It’s best to put it near trees or shrubs for extra cover.
How to attract birds to feeder in city
Attract birds to feeder to share the love
Birds rely on their sight to find food. The more they see food, the quicker they will come. So, feel free to scatter some food on your feeder and the ground below. Just be careful not to put out too much.
Too many seeds on the ground can draw in rodents. This, in turn, may attract stray cats and birds of prey that see your feeder as a meal.
Also, remember that birds have other needs. Food is important, but it isn’t everything. If the birds aren’t eating, try adding a birdbath to your yard.
Birds regularly drink and bathe, and it’s not just for feeding. You can also help by adding birdhouses or landscaping for shelter. If your yard is wide open, the lack of birds might be due to a shortage of places to hide.
Adding a birdhouse or some shrubs can really help. If your feeder isn’t bringing in birds, try meeting their other needs first.
Explore different feeder types. Some birds may not like the standard tube feeder. This can depend on perch size, food type, feeder activity, or their feeding habits. For instance, doves and dark-eyed juncos often seek food on the ground.
In these cases, a platform feeder gives birds a comfortable space to eat. Woodpeckers, however, prefer to hang from feeders as they search for food.
Suet feeders attract birds well.
Be patient. This part can be tough. Luring birds to your new feeder may take time. In our new home, it took almost two weeks for regular visits, even with birds nearby daily. Stay consistent. Keep the food fresh and the feeder clean.
