As a backyard bird feeder owner, you probably have the best intentions when you buy bird feeder supplies like bird seed and bird feeder water dishes, and you sit back to observe bird feeder activity from your window. However, most bird feeder activity is actually much more risky and unsafe for birds than most backyard birders realize. Let's explore the risks associated with your feeding setup and how easy changes can make your bird feeding station safe.
Bring Hummingbirds Right To Your Window!
Check PriceThe Risks of Window-Adjacent Feeders
Most people believe the trouble is caused by feeders right against the window. In fact, it is the feeders that are placed at an intermediate distance. When a feeder is four to ten feet away from the glass, birds take off at full speed. They will not be able to see the reflection of the feeder because they are moving too fast and are distracted by escape or territory.
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It is estimated that between 600 million and 1 billion birds die each year in the U.S. due to window strikes. That is a sizable number. Many window strikes at bird feeders are common due to the birds being clustered in on location. They may get startled by a predator or another bird and end up flying right into a window.
The answer is easier than you might expect: adjust your bird feeder to either within three feet of the window or over thirty feet away. Bird feeders that are close to windows allow birds to build up speed before a collision. However, with far-away feeders, the birds are able to move, and do recognize obstacles. The biggest area of danger is the middle zone, which creates far more collisions.
Try putting blind barriers on your windows. Markers such as tape, stickers, or screens work to help birds recognize the glass. Note that glass barriers are not effective if a barrier is put on a window edge, so be sure to cover the window. Markers should be placed no more than 2 inches apart, horizontally, and 4 inches apart vertically.
Ambush Problems from Cats, Cover, and Nearby Shrubs
Thick ground cover and dense shrubs are great habitats for birds. However, the cover and shrubs must be positioned correctly. If a feeder is placed too close to dense shrubbery, then an ideal hunting ground for outdoor cats and sharp-shinned hawks has been provided.
When they attack, ambush predators use cover to get close enough to their prey to make the final strike. If feeders are positioned next to bushes, hedges or branches, cats will be able to sneak up close and launch an attack on the birds while they are distracted feeding. Cooper’s hawks and similar raptors use cover to get close to their prey.
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The general guideline for optimum bird feeder placement is to locate them at least ten to twelve feet from areas of dense cover vegetation, allowing opportunistic ground-feeding birds to have open territory where they can both identify imminent predatory threats as well as access branches to evade predators. Birds can appreciate undercover areas, but they typically prefer concealment escape routes and perching opportunities nearby.
There's a trade-off: certain native sparrows and towhees like to feed near protective cover. For these species, try to position ground-feeding areas closer to shrubs, but be sure to provide good sightlines in multiple directions. You can also make tiered habitat—open feeding space with escape cover within 15-20 feet (not directly under the feeder).
In areas where outdoor cats are prevalent, this distance becomes absolute. Even pet cats that have been fed will hunt. Outdoor roaming felines are responsible for the deaths of billions of birds every year. While it is true that risks will never be eliminated, thoughtful design will increase the odds significantly.
Squirrels, Baffles, and Dangerous Mounting Locations
Squirrels can be persistant and clever with their ability to get into feeders. However, the true danger is not the theft of bird food. Rather the true danger is that… you are creating access points for predators, and creating structural failures that risk the safety of your birds.
If you mount a feeder on a pole or a shepherd's hook that is too close to trees, fences, or other structures, you will give squirrels a launching pad where they can jump horizontally up to ten feet and drop down to the feeder from above which is even farther. This means your feeder has to be at least ten feet away from any jump-off point and at least five feet off the ground.
A good-quality baffler is the first line of defense for your feeder. Poles can be fitted with either cone or cylindrical bafflers to stop squirrels from climbing up, while dome bafflers on hanging feeders stop squirrels from descending. Squirrels can be pretty resourceful, however, so be sure to get baffles that are at least 17 inches wide so squirrels can't just reach around to grab food.
Improper mounting hardware creates another danger. If feeders hang from hooks or branches that are too flimsy, they can fall in storms or due to larger birds and squirrels, and injure the wildlife below. Use strong hooks intended for outdoor use and check them at least once a season for rust or wear. When mounting feeders on poles, make sure the base is secured so it won’t tip in the wind or when a raccoon tests it during the night.
A common yet underestimated danger is feeders that are too low near driveways or walkways. These feeders can lure ground-feeding birds into dangerous situations with pets, people, and cars. To avoid this danger, place feeders in more secluded areas of your yard so birds can feed without being disturbed.
Smart Placement Checklist: Actions You Can Take Now for Safer Feeders
Are you ready to make your feeding station safer? Check out this list to review your current setup and make quick improvements:
- Window distance: Move feeders either closer than three feet to the glass or further than thirty feet away. Do not position them in the four to ten foot danger zone.
- Distance: It is best to position your feeders ten to twelve feet away from dense shrubs, hedges or brush piles where predators may be hiding.
- Feeder height: If there are ground predators, mount or hang feeders above five feet from the ground.
- Squirrel defense spacing: Place feeders at least 10 feet away from trees, fences, roofs and other structures.
- Baffle Installation: Place pole-mounted baffles below the feeders and install dome baffles above the hanging feeders.
- Check hardware: Examine the hooks, poles, and mounts for stability and any weather related damages.
- Certain species have distinct requirements. Hummingbird feeders can be placed nearer to windows because hummingbirds hover and easily maneuver around. Ground feeding birds such as juncos and sparrows need open lines of sight but do appreciate nearby escape cover within twenty feet.
- Repositioning Feeder: If you see window strikes, damage from predators, or feeder damage, reposition the feeder immediately.
Moving things around in your yard is really helpful. These small changes will help your backyard bird habitat become safer. Moving a feeder a few feet can make it a safe for birds or dangerous feeding station. Walk around the yard and make changes and birdwatch without worrying and know that your birds appreciate it. Happy birding!
