Bird Feeder Tips

• 1. Choose the Right Bird Seed Based on Local Bird Species
• 2. Place Your Feeder in the Right Location
• 3. What to Do If No Birds Come to Your Feeder?
• 4. How to Prevent Squirrels From Raiding Your Feeder
• 5. How Often Should You Clean Your Feeder?
• 6. Other Ways to Attract Birds to Your Feeder

1. Choose the Right Bird Seed Based on Local Bird Species

• Black oil sunflower seeds: Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Greenfinch, Chaffinch
• Peanuts: Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Great Tit
• Suet: Downy Woodpecker, House Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit
• Fruits: Baltimore Oriole, European Robin
• Nyjer or thistle seeds: American Goldfinch, European Goldfinch
• Mealworms: Eastern Bluebird, European Robin

2. Place Your Feeder in the Right Location

• Position the feeder near natural shelter, such as shrubs, trees, or other vegetation, to make birds feel safe.
• To prevent birds from crashing into windows, place feeders either closer than 3 feet (0.9 meters) or farther than 15 feet (4.6 meters) from windows.
• Use window tape or decals to reduce the risk of birds striking windows, especially when placement options are limited.

3. What to Do If No Birds Come to Your Feeder?

If birds haven’t discovered your feeder yet, don’t worry—it can take time! Here’s how to encourage them:

• Add something irresistible, like suet nuggets, mealworms, or peanuts.
• Scatter seeds on the ground around the feeder to draw attention to it.
• If birds are gathering nearby but not using the feeder, create a trail of seeds leading from their spot to the feeder.
• If the seed is blowing away or getting wet, the feeder may be in a spot that feels too exposed. Try relocating it to a quieter, more sheltered area.

4. How to Prevent Squirrels From Raiding Your Feeder

Squirrels can be deterred by mounting feeders on a pole in an open area. Follow these guidelines:

• Use a pole-mounted feeder that’s at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) off the ground.
• Add a cone-shaped baffle or a similar obstacle below the feeder to block squirrels.
• Place pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from shrubs, trees, or any tall structures squirrels can jump from.

5. How Often Should You Clean Your Feeder?

You should clean your seed feeder every two weeks, or more frequently during times of heavy use or in warm, humid weather. Here’s how:

• Remove the camera (if applicable).
• Wash the feeder with soap and warm water.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly to remove any remaining residue.

6. Other Ways to Attract Birds to Your Feeder

• Plant native plants to provide natural food sources and shelter.
• Add a water source, such as a birdbath or small pond. Birds are drawn to the sound of moving water, so consider adding a water pump to attract them from a distance.

Questions? Join the Birdfy community and engage with fellow bird enthusiasts to get the answers you need!