From Lindsay
(Madison, WI)
We are completely new to bird feeding, but we have a wonderful opportunity to do so in our new home.
We have a couple of feeders left by the previous owners and were given some as a gift.
- We aren’t sure where to hang the feeders – if the low branches of the single pine tree in our yard are okay; if the one on a shepherd’s crook needs to be under the tree or in the sun (for both suet and seed)?
- Does suet need to be in a different type of place than seeds?
- Should several feeders be spread out, or grouped together?
- We also have heard that having a birdbath will help draw birds to our yard.
- We have purchased a heated one, as the winter will soon be here, but are also unsure of where to place it – near the feeders? In the sun? In the shade? Under a tree? Out in the open?
Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated!
Answer: Knowing Where to Place Your Bird Feeders can Make All the Difference
Hi Lindsay
Thank you for asking!
You have asked several questions which I will do my best to give you the best possible answers to:
1. First, there is no “right” place to hang a bird feeder as all yards and situations are different. It will take some experimenting on your part to find the best location in your own backyard. Here are some tips:
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- The first thing to consider is the best location in your yard for you to view the birds at your feeder.
- The second thing is to make it easy for you to refill the feeder with seed and to clean it. (Especially giving consideration to snowfall in the winter.)
- Place bird feeders where it is difficult for predators and squirrels to get to your feeder. Under trees give the squirrels a direct line to it, not that they find difficulty in accessing bird feeders in other locations. ? There are some excellent bird feeders on the market that squirrels cannot feed from. You can see them here. )
- Learn what feeders will attract which type of bird and what seed to use in each one. Info about wild bird feeders here.
2. You can have suet and seed together. Some seed feeders have suet holders built on the sides. This does not pose a problem for the birds. The suet eaters will happily cling to the suet cages while the seed eaters perch on the troughs. The only special consideration given to suet should be in the summer. Summer suet can be served all season and is best when placed in a shady place.
3. Spreading your feeders out around the yard will provide a more relaxed dinner table for the birds. The shy birds will not be as intimidated by the more aggressive ones if they have a different feeder to go to.
4. Yes, a birdbath draws birds to your yard faster than a bird feeder. Especially if you use a dripper or mister with it (summer), as the sound of water is very alluring to wild birds. A birdbath in the summer will also attract bug-eating birds, something your feeders will never be able to do.
5. In the winter, water is still essential for wild birds. They will eat snow to get the moisture they need, which requires them to eat more food to maintain their body heat. Place your heated bird bath in the sun for the winter and it will be much appreciated by your feathered friends.
Thank you, Lindsay!
I hope this helps!
Judy
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