Attract Birds to Your Feeders: A Comprehensive Guide

Attracting birds to your backyard feeders can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant and lively ecosystem. The sight of colorful birds flitting around, chirping, and enjoying a meal is a rewarding experience for bird lovers of all ages. However, simply putting up a feeder doesn’t guarantee success. Attracting birds requires understanding their needs and preferences, providing the right food, and creating a welcoming environment. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions to help you attract a variety of birds to your feeders.

## 1. Choose the Right Type of Feeder

Different birds have different feeding preferences. Offering a variety of feeders caters to a wider range of species.

* **Tube Feeders:** These are versatile feeders with multiple feeding ports, suitable for small birds like finches, sparrows, and chickadees. They are relatively easy to clean and protect seeds from the weather.

* **Hopper Feeders (House Feeders):** These feeders hold a larger quantity of seeds and provide shelter from rain and snow. They attract a variety of birds, including cardinals, grosbeaks, and jays.

* **Platform Feeders (Tray Feeders):** These are simple, open trays that can accommodate various birds and food types. They are easy to clean but leave food exposed to the elements and squirrels. Elevated platforms offer better protection from ground predators.

* **Suet Feeders:** These feeders are designed to hold suet cakes, a high-energy food source made from rendered fat. Suet is particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees, especially during colder months.

* **Nectar Feeders (Hummingbird Feeders):** These feeders are specifically designed for hummingbirds, offering a sugar-water solution. They typically have small feeding ports that only hummingbirds can access.

* **Nyjer Feeders (Thistle Feeders):** These feeders have very small feeding ports specifically designed for nyjer (thistle) seeds, a favorite of finches like goldfinches and house finches.

## 2. Select the Right Birdseed

The type of birdseed you offer significantly impacts the species you attract. Offering a variety of seeds will draw a more diverse avian clientele to your feeders.

* **Black Oil Sunflower Seeds:** This is the most popular and versatile birdseed. Its high oil content provides excellent energy, and its soft shell is easy for most birds to crack. Black oil sunflower seeds attract cardinals, finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and many other species.

* **Striped Sunflower Seeds:** These seeds are larger and have a thicker shell than black oil sunflower seeds, making them more challenging for smaller birds to open. They are favored by larger birds like jays and grosbeaks.

* **Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds:** These tiny black seeds are a favorite of finches, particularly goldfinches and house finches. Use a specialized nyjer feeder with small feeding ports to prevent the seeds from spilling out.

* **White Proso Millet:** This small, round seed is a favorite of ground-feeding birds like doves, juncos, and sparrows. Scatter it on the ground or offer it in a platform feeder.

* **Safflower Seeds:** These white, slightly bitter seeds are not favored by squirrels or starlings, making them a good choice if you have problems with these pests. Safflower seeds attract cardinals, grosbeaks, and doves.

* **Peanuts:** Peanuts are a high-energy food source that attracts jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Offer them shelled, unsalted, and roasted. You can use a peanut feeder or spread them on a platform feeder.

* **Suet:** Suet is a high-energy food source made from rendered animal fat, often mixed with seeds, nuts, or berries. It’s particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees, especially during the colder months.

* **Cracked Corn:** While inexpensive, cracked corn is not the most nutritious birdseed. It attracts birds like doves, pigeons, and sparrows, but it can also attract unwanted pests like rodents. Use it sparingly or mix it with other seeds.

* **Seed Mixes:** Be cautious when purchasing seed mixes. Many contain filler seeds that birds don’t eat, like red millet or wheat. Look for mixes with a high percentage of black oil sunflower seeds, white proso millet, and other desirable seeds.

## 3. Location, Location, Location

The placement of your bird feeders is crucial for attracting birds and ensuring their safety.

* **Proximity to Cover:** Birds prefer to feed near trees and shrubs, which provide cover from predators. Place your feeders within 10-15 feet of natural cover, allowing birds to quickly escape if threatened. Avoid placing feeders too close to cover, as this can make it easier for predators to ambush birds at the feeder.

* **Visibility:** While cover is important, birds also need to be able to see the feeders from a distance. Choose a location that is visible from nearby trees or shrubs. A clear flight path to and from the feeder is also essential.

* **Protection from the Elements:** Protect your feeders from strong winds and direct sunlight. A sheltered location will make birds more comfortable and prevent seed from becoming wet and moldy. Overhanging branches or eaves can provide protection from rain and snow.

* **Distance from Windows:** To prevent birds from colliding with windows, place feeders either very close to windows (within 3 feet) or far away (more than 30 feet). Decals, stickers, or window films can also help to break up reflections and reduce bird collisions.

* **Height:** The height of your feeder depends on the type of feeder and the birds you want to attract. Platform feeders can be placed on the ground or mounted on a pole. Tube and hopper feeders should be hung at least 5-6 feet above the ground to deter squirrels and cats.

* **Consider Squirrels:** Squirrels can be a major nuisance at bird feeders. Choose a location that is difficult for squirrels to access, such as a pole in the middle of a lawn. Use squirrel-resistant feeders with cages or baffles to prevent squirrels from reaching the seed.

## 4. Keep Feeders Clean

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the spread of disease among birds. Dirty feeders can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi that can make birds sick.

* **Frequency:** Clean your feeders at least once every two weeks, and more often during wet or humid weather. Nectar feeders should be cleaned every 2-3 days.

* **Cleaning Solution:** Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to disinfect your feeders. Alternatively, you can use hot, soapy water.

* **Cleaning Process:**
1. Empty the feeder completely and discard any old seed or nectar.
2. Disassemble the feeder as much as possible.
3. Scrub all surfaces of the feeder with the cleaning solution, using a brush to remove any caked-on debris.
4. Rinse the feeder thoroughly with clean water.
5. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with fresh seed or nectar.

* **Clean-Up:** Clean the area around the feeder regularly to remove spilled seed and droppings. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and attract fewer rodents.

## 5. Provide a Water Source

Birds need water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot weather or dry periods. Providing a reliable water source will attract more birds to your yard.

* **Bird Bath:** A bird bath is a shallow dish of water that birds can use for drinking and bathing. Choose a bird bath made of durable material that is easy to clean. The bird bath should have a textured surface to provide birds with a good grip.

* **Dripping Water Source:** Birds are attracted to the sound of moving water. A dripping hose or a fountain can be an effective way to attract birds to your yard. You can also purchase a bird bath with a built-in dripper or fountain.

* **Placement:** Place your bird bath in a shaded area to prevent the water from overheating. Keep it away from dense vegetation to protect birds from predators. Clean the bird bath regularly to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.

* **Winter Water Source:** In winter, when natural water sources are frozen, it’s essential to provide a heated bird bath or a de-icer to keep the water from freezing. This will provide birds with a vital source of water during the cold months.

## 6. Offer Natural Food Sources

Supplementing your feeders with natural food sources will attract even more birds to your yard.

* **Native Plants:** Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers that provide birds with food, shelter, and nesting sites. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and require less maintenance than non-native plants.

* **Berry Bushes:** Berry-producing shrubs like serviceberry, elderberry, and dogwood provide birds with a valuable food source, especially during the fall and winter months.

* **Seed-Headed Flowers:** Allow some of your flowers to go to seed in the fall. Birds like finches and sparrows will feast on the seeds of plants like sunflowers, coneflowers, and asters.

* **Insect-Attracting Plants:** Plant flowers and herbs that attract insects. Birds like warblers and flycatchers feed on insects, especially during the breeding season.

## 7. Control Pests

Squirrels, rodents, and starlings can be a major problem at bird feeders. Taking steps to control these pests will help to ensure that the birds you want to attract get their fair share of the food.

* **Squirrel-Resistant Feeders:** Use feeders with cages or baffles to prevent squirrels from reaching the seed. Place feeders on poles in the middle of a lawn, away from trees and fences that squirrels can use to jump onto the feeder.

* **Squirrel-Repellent Seed:** Some birdseed mixes are coated with a pepper-based repellent that deters squirrels but doesn’t harm birds. You can also purchase squirrel-repellent spray to apply to your feeders.

* **Rodent Control:** Keep the area around your feeders clean to prevent rodents from being attracted to spilled seed. Store birdseed in airtight containers to prevent rodents from getting into it. Consider using traps or other rodent control methods if you have a severe rodent problem.

* **Starling Control:** Starlings are aggressive birds that can dominate feeders and prevent other birds from accessing the food. Use feeders with small feeding ports that are difficult for starlings to use. Avoid offering foods that starlings prefer, such as suet and cracked corn.

## 8. Patience and Persistence

Attracting birds to your feeders takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep your feeders clean, filled with fresh seed, and properly located, and eventually, birds will find them.

* **Seasonal Changes:** The types of birds that visit your feeders will vary depending on the season. During the winter, you may see more birds that are looking for food to help them survive the cold weather. During the spring and summer, you may see more breeding birds and their young.

* **Migration:** Many birds migrate through your area during the spring and fall. These migratory birds may stop at your feeders to refuel before continuing their journey.

* **Local Bird Populations:** The types of birds that you can attract to your feeders will depend on the birds that are present in your local area. Consult a local bird guide or online resources to learn about the birds that are found in your region.

## 9. Observe and Adapt

Pay attention to which birds are visiting your feeders and what they are eating. Use this information to adjust your offerings and attract a wider variety of species.

* **Seed Preferences:** Notice which seeds are being eaten the most and which seeds are being left behind. Adjust your seed mix accordingly. For example, if you notice that the birds are ignoring the cracked corn, you may want to reduce the amount of cracked corn in your mix or eliminate it altogether.

* **Feeder Preferences:** Observe which feeders are the most popular with the birds. Consider adding more of these types of feeders to your yard.

* **Seasonal Adjustments:** Adjust your offerings based on the season. During the winter, provide high-energy foods like suet and peanuts. During the spring and summer, offer a variety of seeds to attract breeding birds and their young.

## 10. Enjoy the Show!

Once you’ve created a welcoming environment for birds, sit back and enjoy the show! Birdwatching can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby. Be sure to keep a bird identification guide handy so you can identify the different species that visit your feeders.

By following these steps, you can transform your backyard into a bird-friendly haven and enjoy the beauty and wonder of these fascinating creatures.