As a wellness author and self-proclaimed newbie birder, I respect the well being advantages of listening to and watching birds. Studies present that listening to birdsong can enhance our mental health, lowering signs of tension and melancholy and reducing stress ranges.
Until lately, I lived in an condo within the coronary heart of a metropolis, which meant I needed to actively search nature and the benefits of being surrounded by our avian pals. I now stay in a home with a yard and mature timber, the place birds flit among the many bushes and bounce alongside the fence line.
I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of getting an out of doors house with hen feeders. I shortly realized I wanted some steering on choosing the proper feeder, the place to position it and which seeds to make use of — or keep away from.
Tru Hubbard, city wildlife schooling coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, got here to the rescue with professional perception. From feeders and seeds to hen security ideas, right here’s every thing it is advisable find out about putting and caring on your hen feeder.
Where is the most effective place to place your hen feeder?
Location, location, location — it is not simply an essential time period for actual property brokers. Where and the way you arrange your hen feeder can affect the birds and different native wildlife. The details to think about when selecting the most effective spot on your hen feeder are correct protection and proximity to timber, distance from home windows and peak off the bottom.
Coverage and proximity to timber
Birds desire to feed in areas with some protection, permitting them to shortly escape to close by timber or bushes if wanted. Placing your feeder close to timber or shrubbery will increase their safety from predators and affords shelter from inclement climate like rain or wind — however they shouldn’t be too shut. The commonplace guideline is to place your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from stated bushes and timber.
Hanging your feeder in a tree with simply accessible branches is not suggested. “We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,” said Hubbard.
A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other animals.
Proper placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the main driver of hen mortality within the US.
Distance from home windows
“There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird’s safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list,” said Hubbard.
There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within three feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won’t be flying at high speed if it hits the window.
The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. “Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn’t allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window,” explained Hubbard.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe.
Shade versus sun
“Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,” defined Hubbard.
In addition to protecting them cooler through the hotter summer time months, a shaded location may help reduce sun glare and stop confusion for the birds flying in your yard.
The peak of your hen feeder will even play a job in the kind of hen you appeal to.
Height off the bottom
The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees.
“About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,” said Hubbard.
You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling.
What type of bird feeder should you use?
Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant 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 boils down to the bird you hope to attract.
Hubbard echoed this sentiment. “Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,” Hubbard explained.
Unless you’re trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here’s a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they’re best for.
It was three days earlier than I noticed the primary customer to my platform feeder.
The solely customer I noticed for the primary week after putting in my hanging tray feeder was a California scrub jay. This species could be relatively aggressive and aggressive with different birds, and is usually known as a “bully hen,” so I hoped it wasn’t hogging the feeder. However, I’m pleased to report that various other birds have been stopping by the feeder recently, including mountain chickadees, house finches and an American robin.
What do you have to feed the birds?
Similar to the kind of feeder, the meals you place out will decide which birds (and different animals) will go to. “The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you’re hoping to attract to your backyard,” Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds.
The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They’re easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It’s preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin’s finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more.
The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds.
High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include 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 won’t eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it’s best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs.
Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food.
I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited.
I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard.
Do not give them human food
Avoid setting out 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 any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn’t provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread,” explains Hubbard.
Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard?
Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in 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 instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you’re made aware 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 help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,” stated Hubbard.
If you reside in bear nation, it’s essential to safe any attractants when there are sightings in your space.
“If you don’t wish to take away the hen feeder utterly, attempt eradicating it in a single day when lots of wildlife is most lively, then place it again out within the morning. You may also attempt scattering some small quantities of birdseed in your yard through the day, which can be simple for birds to choose via however not price it for our bigger animals. Keep in thoughts that this may occasionally additionally appeal to smaller rodents to your yard, which may, in flip, appeal to predators. It is sweet follow to maintain up with sightings in your space, and you can begin by eradicating and securing the feeders at evening,” Hubbard emphasized.
How often should you clean your bird feeder?
“Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied,” stated Hubbard.
The frequency additionally will depend on the kind of feeder and meals concerned, in addition to the local weather. For instance, hummingbird feeders require extra frequent cleanings (round each three to 5 days), as do feeders situated in particularly scorching or humid climate.
Most hen feeders could be cleaned by eradicating the previous seed, taking them aside and putting them in a dishwasher on a scorching setting or handwashing with cleaning soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and completely dry the hen feeder earlier than refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the bottom beneath your feeder is beneficial to forestall the buildup of uneaten seed and hen waste.
How lengthy will it take for birds to search out the feeder?
I at the moment have two various kinds of feeders: a dangling tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a basic hopper or home form with a solar-powered roof for protection and a digital camera for capturing pictures and movies as they munch.
I needed to fend off disappointment when my little hen pals did not instantly swarm across the new feeders, however it will probably take up to a few weeks earlier than birds work together with a brand new one. They are creatures of behavior, and testing a brand new meals supply and touchdown sample takes time.
The first hen to go to my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a hen to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I used to be leaping for pleasure after I acquired the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a customer — a cute mountain chickadee coming to examine issues out for the primary time. I’m assured that with considerable persistence and the suitable meals, it is solely a matter of time earlier than this feeder turns into a part of their routine.
This little mountain chickadee was the primary to take a look at the Bird Buddy feeder 12 days after putting in it.
Too lengthy; did not learn?
The most essential factor to think about is the well being and safety of the wild birds in your space. The placement of your hen feeder impacts the variety of birds that go to and the presence of different animals and predators.
Ideally, it is best to place your hen feeder round 10 toes away from timber or shrubs to forestall squirrels from leaping onto it. It’s greatest to maintain your feeder a minimum of 30 toes away from windows or glass to scale back the chance of collision, a number one explanation for damage and demise for birds.
Use high-quality feed and keep away from providing human meals or snacks, as many are poisonous to birds. If you reside in an space the place bears, coyotes or foxes are often noticed, securing your hen feeder and every other attractants is essential to maintain these animals secure and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose one other big risk to hen populations. If you may have a cat that roams exterior, it’s greatest to not use hen feeders in your yard to make sure the birds’ security and safety.
Regular cleansing of your hen feeder is important to forestall mould and micro organism progress, which may result in the transmission of hen illness and illness.
As enjoyable as it’s to carry all of the birds to your yard, being a accountable birder is vital to making sure the birds (and also you) keep secure, wholesome and blissful. If you may have questions relating to your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is a superb useful resource for hen feeding and care. Your state’s wildlife division is one other incredible supply for inquiring about native pointers and help.
It’s fairly easy — the hen feeder and kind of seed you set out will affect the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their security is the highest precedence.
“It is a standard false impression that wild birds turn into reliant or rely solely on hen feeders for survival. Bird feeders could be a worthwhile meals supply throughout harsh climate or sure occasions of the 12 months, however birds will proceed to seek for pure meals sources as they enterprise via areas,” said Hubbard.
“If you select to cease feeding, wild birds can alter fairly shortly to meals supply adjustments, as that is one thing that naturally happens within the atmosphere. The solely time we might not advocate eradicating a meals supply is throughout excessive chilly.”
“Similar to food, our wild birds will be fine if they are not provided with a bird bath as an option for water, but you’re more than welcome to have one. Bird baths can provide a readily accessible water source for drinking and bathing, but if not properly maintained, they can also pose issues in terms of disease transmission and attracting other unwanted guests, such as predators and bugs. Consider the location where it will be placed and the design, making sure you can clean and change the water regularly,” stated Hubbard.
“Providing bird nesting sites (i.e., bird houses) can help reduce the number of birds that make nests in unsafe places on homes that can later become a problem. Again, placement is important and different species will have different nesting requirements,” defined Hubbard.
For extra info on offering nesting websites on your birds, take a look at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s guide to building and placing birdhouses.
My favourite, Merlin Bird ID, is a well-liked free app for figuring out birds in your space. Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it means that you can file birdsong and calls and add pictures that will help you establish birds, offering an array of data and enjoyable details about them.
Another incredible free bird-identifying device is the Audubon Bird Guide App.
