Chickadees sing and a flash of red hits my eye. A male cardinal comes down to the feeding station. He looks around, grabs a black oil sunflower seed, and dashes back into the hedge. It is an amazing morning to see the yard wake up.
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Check PriceAs the morning goes on, you might start thinking about refilling the tube feeder. I frequently notice backyard birders using the cup method to check seed levels. I see them walk up to their feeders, cup both hands around the clear plastic tube, and lean in to look inside. This is not a great way to check seed levels. In fact, experienced birders never do this. This is why the cupping method, as common as it is, creates problems for our bird visitors.
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The Lighting Problem
When you put your hands around a cylindrical feeder, you probably try to block the sun that’s glaring in your eyes. But, if your fingers go over the front of the plastic tube, you actually block some of the light that you need. It makes the inside of the tube much darker.
In the dim light, it is hard to tell empty used hulls from uneaten kernels, and you will think the feeder is half full only to find the birds are foraging through an unhelpful layer of empty hulls.
The Hygiene Hazard
There is an even more serious reason to keep your hands off of the feeding ports. Wild birds can easily contract avian diseases, and feeder hygiene is the first line of defense.
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Your hands contain oils, dirt, and moisture which you unknowingly transmit to the perches and ports. Moisture trapped in ports and perches attracts bacteria and increases the likelihood of dangerous mold developing in the seed chamber. Additionally, if you are monitoring multiple feeders in your yard, touching the ports where birds feed spreads disease-carrying germs from one feeder to the other. mold growth inside the seed chamber
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Check PriceThe Predator Shadow Effect
Foraging finches and sparrows must remain vigilant due to the constant threat of predation. They see a shadow overhead and immediately imagine the low swoop of a Cooper’s Hawk or a Barred Owl.
By making a “shadow” which mimics a predatory bird, energy that these migratory birds need to survive the cold nights or to care for and raise their young is wasted as they panic and scatter.
What to Do Instead
There are easy ways to check your seed levels that don’t cause stress or spread germs.
*Place one hand flat behind the feeder a few inches.\* This removes the background glare while letting sunlight shine on the seeds. You will clearly see whole kernels and empty husks.
Alternatively, you can very gently tap the side of the plastic tube with one knuckle. The vibration will cause the loose hulls to settle at the top and reveal how much solid seed is left below.
Quick Reference Guide: Feeder Checking Habits
| The Habit | The Risk to Birds or Feeder | The Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Cupping hands over the front plastic | Blocks light and makes empty hulls look like full seeds. | Place a flat hand behind the feeder to block background glare. |
| Touching feeding ports and perches | Transfers oils and moisture that breed mold and spread disease. | Hold the feeder only by the metal hanger or top lid. |
| Casting a sudden shadow over the station | Mimics a predator swoop and causes panic. | Approach slowly and check levels from a slight distance. |
Keeping the Yard Safe
Every day in our backyards is a new adventure in keeping our habitats safe and thriving. With small changes to how we engage with the feeding stations, we can safeguard our bird visitors peace and health. The next time you go outside to check the feeding stations and see the seed levels, try the flat hand trick. Your birds will appreciate your effort and will thank you by returning to fill your yard with color and song.
