A bird feeder is one of the most natural ways to attract colorful and lively birds to your yard. Whether you’re new to bird watching or have been enjoying it for years, a bird feeder can help create a welcoming, bird-friendly environment that you and your feathered visitors will love.
In this article, you’ll learn how to attract birds to your feeder, the different types of bird food to use, and useful tips for keeping squirrels away from your bird feeder.
What Are the Two Uses of Bird Feeders?
Bird feeders serve two main purposes. First, they provide birds with a reliable source of food, especially during seasons when natural resources are scarce, such as in winter or early spring.
Second, bird feeders bring nature closer to you, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy watching birds up close. With different types of bird foods, you can attract various species, to add variety, color, and life to your outdoor space.
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How Does a Bird Feeder Work?
Bird feeders work by holding and dispensing bird seeds for birds to eat. Different types of feeders, like hopper or tube feeders, rely on gravity to release seeds into a tray or opening. Birds peck at the seeds and enjoy their meal.
Setting up a bird feeder is simple: fill it with your chosen bird food, hang it in a suitable location, and watch as the birds flock in for a snack.
Where To Put Your Bird Feeders?
Choosing the right spot for your bird feeder is very important in attracting birds. Place it in a quiet area, preferably near trees or shrubs, where the birds can feel safe and hidden from predators. Trees also provide a natural landing spot for birds before they head to the feeder.
Avoid placing it too close to busy areas or windows, as this could scare the birds away or cause them to fly into the glass. Ideally, place the feeder at a height and distance that keeps predators like cats away.
What Is the Best Bird Food?
The best bird food depends on the species of birds you want to attract. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite among many birds. This is because they are packed with energy and easy to crack open.
In fact, around 75% of your backyard bird feeder’s content should include these seeds. They draw in popular species like cardinals, sparrows, and finches.
For birds that prefer smaller seeds, millet is an excellent option. Offering a variety of bird food, such as nuts, fruit, and suet can ensure you’ll attract a diverse range of birds to your yard.
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How to Keep Squirrels Away From Your Bird Feeder
Squirrels love bird feeders just as much as the birds do and raid them for food. To keep them away, use a bird feeder hook with a baffle. It prevents squirrels from climbing up the pole.
You can also hang your feeder on a pole at least six feet tall and positioned far from trees, fences, or other objects squirrels might use to jump onto the feeder. Another effective trick is to sprinkle cayenne pepper on the birdseed. Birds won’t mind it, but squirrels certainly will.
How to Make a Homemade Bird Feeder
Making a homemade bird feeder is a fun and eco-friendly project the whole family can enjoy. One simple way is to cut an orange in half, scoop out the fruit, and fill the empty shell with birdseed. Hang it with some string, and you’ve got a natural, biodegradable bird feeder.
Another easy method is to craft a feeder using materials like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Coat the pine cone in peanut butter and roll it in birdseed. Hang it up, and you’ll have an attractive and sustainable feeder perfect for birds.
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Put Bird Baths Alongside Feeders
Birds don’t just need food, they need water too. Adding a bird bath near your feeder will attract even more birds to your yard. Birds love to splash around in the water, drink, and clean their feathers.
It will also create a complete mini-habitat in your yard, making it even more likely that birds will visit often and stay for longer periods.
The combination of a feeder and a bird bath makes your yard an irresistible spot for birds looking for both food and water.
The Importance of Keeping Your Bird Feeder Clean
Keeping your bird feeder clean is essential for the health of the birds. A dirty feeder can spread diseases among birds, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Aim to take the feeder down every two weeks, empty out any old seed, and scrub it thoroughly with soap and water.
Make sure the feeder is completely dry before refilling it with fresh seeds. A clean feeder will ensure the birds visiting your yard stay healthy and happy. A bird feeder is more than just a yard decoration.
It’s an enjoyable way to watch birds while you provide them with much-needed sustenance. This is particularly useful during difficult seasons. By using the right bird seed, placing the feeder strategically, and keeping squirrels away, you can create a bird-friendly environment.
Once they like it, they’ll keep coming back again and again. So, pick a spot, fill up your feeder, and use these tips and tricks to bring birds to your yard.
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