Hey there, fellow bird enthusiasts! Remember when we’d spend hours watching cardinals and blue jays from our kitchen windows?

Well, I’ve discovered some clever spots to place those feeders that’ll have our feathered friends flocking in like it’s an all-you-can-eat diner in 1965. After decades of trial and error (and chasing away more than my share of crafty squirrels), I’ve got the inside scoop on where our avian pals prefer to dine.

1. The Window Watch Sweet Spot

There is a “sweet spot” for placing feeders near windows, though. If the feeder is very close to the window, birds departing your feeder won’t be able to obtain much speed.

If they hit the window, they won’t be flying very fast when it happens! A feeder that is within 3 feet of your window is safer than one that is 5 or 6 feet away.

Don’t hang the feeder at your busiest window. If there is a room in your house with constant activity, the birds may be frightened away by this.

It’s better to hang the feeder where you are able to watch the birds, but not where they are going to be startled by human movement and noise. If you keep a feeder right outside your window where you can see it from your couch, desk, or kitchen, it makes bird watching effortless.

It can also improve the safety of your feathered backyard companions. While it may seem counterintuitive, using a window feeder can actually reduce window collisions in your yard.

The National Audubon Society recommends using window feeders as a way to reduce collisions. Some research has shown that window feeders and feeders placed close to windows actually lead to fewer collisions.

2. The Sheltered Breakfast Nook

Tuck your feeder near (but not too close to) evergreen shrubs or bushes. This gives birds a quick escape route from predators while keeping them just far enough away that squirrels can’t make the jump.

It’s like providing them their own cozy roadside diner with a security system!

3. Morning Sun and Afternoon Shade

It can be beneficial to choose a nectar feeder location in light, dappled shade, or where the feeders get some morning sun but are shaded during the afternoon in the hottest part of the day.

4. A Quiet Spot Away From Traffic

Suet feeders should be placed in a quiet spot, away from other busy feeders and areas busy with human activity. Too many avian visitors and too much ‘traffic’ can put off some more timid suet-eating birds.

Maintain a peaceful environment. Hummingbirds may be more likely to visit a calm, quiet garden that is free from loud noises and sudden movements.

If you have active kids and pets, consider planting your hummingbird garden in a quieter part of your property.

5. Eye Level or About Five Feet Up

Eye level is considered a great height. When in doubt, make sure that the pole is high enough that the feeder hangs at either five feet above the ground or approximately eye level.

Feeders should be at least five feet above the ground. Hummingbird feeders should be hung high because they scare easily and are easily frightened away from their feeding area.

6. A Protected Area They Can Reach

Place a hummingbird feeder in a protected area that allows the birds easy access.

7. The Social Circle Setup

Create a feeding station with multiple feeders spaced about 3 feet apart. Different species can feed together without crowding, like how we used to gather at the local diner.

This arrangement helps prevent dominant birds from monopolizing all the good stuff.

8. The Dawn Patrol Post

Position a feeder where it’s easily accessible during the first light of day. Many birds start their foraging at dawn, and having a well-stocked feeder ready for them is like opening up the early bird special at your favorite breakfast spot.

They’ll become regular customers in no time!

Where birds actually want the feeder

Spec	What our writers say
Window distance	Within 3 feet is safer than 5 or 6 feet
Busy window	Skip the room with constant activity
Collision research	Audubon recommends window feeders to cut collisions
Nectar light	Morning sun, shaded in the hot afternoon
Quiet birds	Away from busy feeders and human traffic
Default height	Eye level, or about five feet
Hummingbird height	Hang high; they scare easily

Keep reading

• 14 Common Foods You Should Never Put in Bird Feeders
• 12 Things Every Bird Lover Learns the Hard Way
• 7 Mistakes Everyone Makes in Choosing Bird Feeders (and How to Avoid Them)