Attracting Birds to your Bird Feeder
Attracting birds to a Birdfeeder is simply an act of creating a nourishing and healthy environment for birds. Just as people require homes that are safe from crime and equipped with water, birds also know what they are looking for. If this is your first feeder, it may take several weeks for the birds to discover you. One way to attract birds is to place something shiny with some seeds underneath. Water also acts as a natural attractant, especially the sound of running or trickling water. If you're not sure what kind of bird feeder you need, try to find out that types of birds are in your area and what types you wish to attract. If in doubt you can choose a general bird feeder to attract various types of birds.
For new bird feeders, start off by filling it with black oil sunflower seeds, which is a favorite among most birds. Once your birdfeeder starts attracting birds, you can try a mixture of black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and sunflower hearts. Suet cakes work well too, but you will need a suet feeder if you plan to serve cakes. If you notice that you have not seen birds at your feeder, you might be competing with other feeders in the area. Buying the best bird seed or suet cakes from a pet store, not a grocery store, helps to give you the advantage.
When searching for a place to hang your birdfeeder, please keep in mind that the best place might not always be in your line of sight. Birds like to have cover and shelter. Birdfeeders need to be hung in a place where the birds feel safe from predators, like cats and squirrels. Avoid open and noisy areas, and try to hang your birdfeeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang them too close to anything where squirrels can jump on them, or too low they are within a cat's reach. Birds will not enjoy constant attack by predators, and will move on to find a new bird feeder if they can't eat in peace. If you have an area in your yard where you can place a shepherd's hook, this would be ideal. Shepherd's Hooks are designed specifically for birdfeeders because they are taller, and the hook is further away from the pole.
We offer Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders that are specially designed to keep the squirrels away. Caged feeders and weight activated feeders are two types of Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders we offer. The Cage Bird Feeders have openings just large enough to let the birds in, but small enough to keep the squirrels out. The perches on the weight activated birdfeeders collapse under the weight of the squirrels, but are strong enough for your feathered friends. Squirrels will feast on bird food and cause your bird feeders to be empty when your visitors fly by, so if squirrels are popular in your region, a squirrel proof bird feeder will ensure food stays available for birds.
If you already have an existing birdfeeder and are looking to replace it or add another one, remember that birds are creatures of habit, and might not take to the new birdfeeder right away. Try slowly letting the old birdfeeder run out, keep the new one filled and see if your birds can find it. Once the birds find the new feeder take the old one down, or if you are keeping it, slowly start to refill it.
Water is also a main supply your birds should have in addition to food. Try placing your birdfeeder near a pond, birdbath or a dripper. If there is a steady supply of water year round, you have a better chance of getting your birds to stay and come back yearly. Make sure that you keep your birdfeeders full all year round. Some birds will visit throughout the year, and if your feeder is always full, the birds will keep coming back for more. Winter is a harsh time for non-migratory birds, and often their only source of nourishment is through birdfeeders.
Hummingbird Feeders
With the Hummingbirds, you might want to try to put up 2 or 3 of the Hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds are territorial and families tend not to share. They are habitual as well and tend to come back to the same feeders year after year, which is wonderful. Yard Envy offers glass and easy-fill Hummingbird Feeders. Please remember to never place Hummingbird Feeders in the sun and clean their feeders often.
For additional information regarding hummingbirds, please read our Hummingbird Feeder Tips.
