A wildlife expert explains how to attract more birds to your bird feeder

If you feel calm and less anxious when listen to the birdsongthere is research to support these feelings. Studies have shown that birdsong can reduce anxiety and paranoia and improve mental well-being. That’s why I was excited to install a bird feeder in my own backyard.

To maximize visits from feathered friends to my feeder, I spoke with Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, to find out how I can attract more birds safely and sustainably to improve my mental health through their songs.

Where to place your bird feeder?

Location, location, location – it’s not just a term for real estate agents. Where and how you install your bird feeder can affect birds and other wildlife. The main points to consider when choosing the best location for your bird feeder are adequate coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height from the ground.

Coverage and proximity to trees

Birds prefer to feed in areas with some cover, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if necessary. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubs increases their protection from predators and provides shelter from bad weather like rain or wind – but they shouldn’t be. Also close. The standard guideline is to place your feeder 10 to 15 feet from bushes and trees.

It is not recommended to hang your feeder from a tree whose branches are easily accessible. “We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access food, so sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our small mammals. Placing it about 10 feet from any trees or structures that squirrels or raccoons might use to jump on will help prevent them from stealing food,” Hubbard said.

Proper placement can also reduce the risk of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because predation by feral and domestic cats is the leading driver of bird mortality in the United States.

Window distance

“There are several factors to consider that may vary for each person and each yard. Prioritizing bird safety should be top of mind; thus, avoiding locations that could increase the risk of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list,” Hubbard said.

There is a limit to how far your feeder can be from the windows. One way to remember this is the rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within 3 feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is within 3 feet of a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since they will not fly at high speeds if they hit the window.

The safest option is to place your feeder away from windows to completely eliminate the risk of collision. “Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet from any window, which would give them plenty of time to get around potential hazards, or a few feet from a house, which would not allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they come into contact with a window,” Hubbard explained.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that more than 1 billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States each year. If birds are colliding with your home’s windows, check out these tips to keep them safe.

Shadow versus sun

“It is generally best to hang feeders in shaded areas because this will prevent food spoilage, provide some protection from the elements, and shield birds from the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,” Hubbard explained.

As well as keeping them cool during the hotter summer months, a shady spot can help reduce sun glare and avoid confusion for birds flying through your garden.

Height from the ground

The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that stay there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower down, while others, such as woodpeckers, feed higher in trees.

“Approximately 5 to 6 feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will attempt to access the food, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,” Hubbard said.

You can certainly install a bird feeder 5 to 6 feet above this sweet spot, but keep in mind that positioning it too high may make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling.

What type of bird feeder is best?

Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing through the many options at my local nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately depends on the bird you hope to attract.

Hubbard echoed this sentiment. “Choosing your bird feeder depends primarily on the species of bird you want to feed. For example, platform feeders tend to be better suited to larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of small perches are better suited to smaller songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you may also want to consider are durability, their ease of cleaning, and their squirrel-proof features if you expect to “I don’t want that to be a problem,” Hubbard said.

Unless you are trying to attract a specific type of bird, providing a combination of different styles of feeders and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. To learn more, here is a list of types of bird feeders and the birds they are best suited for.

After setting up my hanging tray feeder, the first visitor was a California scrub jay. This species can be quite competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a “bully bird”, so I was hoping it wouldn’t monopolize the feeder. However, I am happy to report that many other birds have since stopped by the feeder regularly, including chickadees, house finches, mourning doves and American robins.

What should you feed the birds?

Similar to the type of feeder, the food you distribute will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. “The type of bird seed used varies depending on the species you hope to attract to your garden,” Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. The Wildbird Project was an impressive study involving observing 1.2 million visits to bird feeders to determine birds’ main seed preferences.

The #1 choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They’re easy to open and make a nutritious, oil-rich snack, which means less work and greater reward. It is favored by birds such as the Black-capped Chickadee, Cassin’s Finch, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Crested Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch and many others.

High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood that birds will flock to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often contain fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value and birds often do not eat them. Small birds have a harder time eating them with their small beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can develop mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests at your feeder, so it is best to avoid cheap products at all costs.

Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing birds with nutritious, energy-rich food.

I opted for various bird seed blends from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed mixes. Large bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to use a few smaller bags first to see which is most popular among the birds in my garden.

Don’t give them human food

Avoid presenting human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate, and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds.

“We do not recommend feeding wild birds human food. An unnatural diet does not provide the nutrients wild birds need to be healthy and can also lead to behavioral changes, an increase in disease and its spread,” says Hubbard.

Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard?

In general, having a bird feeder in your yard is a good thing, but it depends on your situation. Although bird feeders attract a variety of birds, they can also attract other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space.

“Some cases where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the moment, are when you are informed of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to prevent wildlife from developing the habit of visiting your yard,” Hubbard said.

“If you don’t want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it at night, when many wildlife are most active, and then put it back outside in the morning. You can also try scattering a few small amounts of bird seed around your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick up but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this can also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It’s good to track sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing feeders at night,” Hubbard pointed out.

How often should you clean your bird feeder?

“In general, it is recommended to clean bird feeders every two weeks or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or illnesses are suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied,” Hubbard said.

The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (about every three to five days), as do feeders located in particularly hot or humid weather.

Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing old seeds, disassembling them and placing them in a dishwasher on hot setting or hand washing them with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Rinse and dry the bird feeder thoroughly before filling it with new seeds. It is recommended to clean the ground under your feeder to prevent the accumulation of uneaten seeds and bird waste.

How long will it take for birds to find your feeder?

I have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a solar-powered roof for coverage and a camera to capture photos and videos while they munch.

I had to resist disappointment when my little bird friends didn’t immediately invade new feeders, but I learned that it can take up to a few weeks before they interact with a new one. Birds are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time.

The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a bird to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I will I jumped for joy when I received the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a visitor – a cute mountain chickadee coming to check things out for the first time.

Too long; haven’t you read?

The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. In addition to the location of your bird feeder, the type of feeder and seed you use influences the species of birds that will visit, as well as the presence of other animals and potential predators.

Ideally, you should place your bird feeder about 10 feet from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping on them. It’s best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, one of the leading causes of bird injury and death.

Use high-quality food and avoid offering food or snacks to humans, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently seen, securing your bird feeder and other attractants is essential to keeping these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another major threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it is best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the safety and protection of the birds.

Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can lead to the transmission of bird diseases.

As fun as it is to bring all the birds into your yard, being a responsible birder is essential to ensuring that the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy, and happy. If you have questions about your birding trip, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state’s wildlife department is another fantastic source for learning about local guidelines and assistance.