BACKYARD BIRD FEEDING
What can backyard bird feeding do for you?
Unwanted pests can ruin your green-thumb dreams of a bountiful vegetable garden or a lush, green lawn. You can protect your gardening efforts by attracting pests' natural enemies. Birds are "good" predators who eat insects and limit your need to resort to dangerous chemical pesticides. But many gardeners who take the time to attract birds to their garden to control pests have found a new, unexpected hobby.
Bird feeding in your yard or garden is an easy way to enjoy wildlife. It doesn't matter where you live - in an apartment, townhouse or single family dwelling, in the city, suburbs, or country. Just stand still and you'll hear them - wild birds. It is hard to imagine life without them.
Each year millions of people discover for the first time the joys of bird watching. And you can watch them just about everywhere. The most convenient place to start is right in your own backyard. All it takes to get their attention is food or water, a place to build a nest, and appropriate vegetation.
Getting Started
Where you live and the time of year determines what you need to do to attract a particular bird species and keep it coming back to your garden or backyard. For example, on any winter day, you are likely to see a cardinal at a sunflower feeder in Virginia, a goldfinch at a thistle feeder in Illinois, and hummingbirds at a nectar feeder in southern California.
A bird field guide can tell you the names for the birds you're likely to see and the time of year you're most likely to see them near your home. The guides pictures of different species will also help you identify the birds you see. So, first determine what birds are likely to occur in your area.
How to select a feeder
When the ground is covered with snow and ice, it's hard to resist just tossing seed out the door. But it's healthier for the birds to get their handouts at a feeding station or birdfeeder, rather than off the ground. Regardless of the season, food that sits on the ground for even a short time is exposed to contamination by dampness, mold, bacteria, animal droppings, lawn fertilizers and pesticides.
You can start simply with a piece of scrap wood elevated a few inches above the ground. Add a few holes for drainage and you've built a platform feeder. It won't be long before the birds find it. There are several factors to consider after you have decided to feed birds in your backyard.
Where should you place a feeder?
Where do you want to watch your birds? From a kitchen window ... a sliding glass door opening onto a deck ... a second-story window? When the weather is bad and birds are most vulnerable, you may be reluctant to fill a feeder that is not in a convenient spot, like near a door or an easy-to-reach window. When placing your feeder, pick a site where discarded seed shells and bird droppings won't be a cleanup problem.
Put your feeder where the squirrels can't reach it. Squirrels become a problem when they take over a bird feeder, scaring the birds away and tossing seed all over. Squirrels have been known to chew right through plastic and wooden feeders.
If you've seen squirrels in your neighborhood, it is safe to assume they will visit your feeder. Think long and hard before you hang anything from a tree limb. Squirrels are incredibly agile, and any feeder hanging from a tree is likely to become a squirrel feeder. In the long run, a squirrel-proof feeder or any feeder on a pole with a baffle is the least aggravating solution. The most effective squirrel-proof feeder is the pole-mounted metal "house" type.
If you must hang a feeder, select a tube protected with metal mesh. Most plastic "squirrel-proof" feeders, despite manufacturers' claims, may eventually succumb to the squirrels. Any wood or plastic feeder can be effective when mounted on a pole with a plastic or metal baffle, if the pole is at least 10 feet or more from a tree limb or trunk. Remember, squirrels can jump great distances.
What can backyard bird feeding do for you?
Unwanted pests can ruin your green-thumb dreams of a bountiful vegetable garden or a lush, green lawn. You can protect your gardening efforts by attracting pests' natural enemies. Birds are "good" predators who eat insects and limit your need to resort to dangerous chemical pesticides. But many gardeners who take the time to attract birds to their garden to control pests have found a new, unexpected hobby.
Bird feeding in your yard or garden is an easy way to enjoy wildlife. It doesn't matter where you live - in an apartment, townhouse or single family dwelling, in the city, suburbs, or country. Just stand still and you'll hear them - wild birds. It is hard to imagine life without them.
Each year millions of people discover for the first time the joys of bird watching. And you can watch them just about everywhere. The most convenient place to start is right in your own backyard. All it takes to get their attention is food or water, a place to build a nest, and appropriate vegetation.
Getting Started
Where you live and the time of year determines what you need to do to attract a particular bird species and keep it coming back to your garden or backyard. For example, on any winter day, you are likely to see a cardinal at a sunflower feeder in Virginia, a goldfinch at a thistle feeder in Illinois, and hummingbirds at a nectar feeder in southern California.
A bird field guide can tell you the names for the birds you're likely to see and the time of year you're most likely to see them near your home. The guides pictures of different species will also help you identify the birds you see. So, first determine what birds are likely to occur in your area.
How to select a feeder
When the ground is covered with snow and ice, it's hard to resist just tossing seed out the door. But it's healthier for the birds to get their handouts at a feeding station or birdfeeder, rather than off the ground. Regardless of the season, food that sits on the ground for even a short time is exposed to contamination by dampness, mold, bacteria, animal droppings, lawn fertilizers and pesticides.
You can start simply with a piece of scrap wood elevated a few inches above the ground. Add a few holes for drainage and you've built a platform feeder. It won't be long before the birds find it. There are several factors to consider after you have decided to feed birds in your backyard.
Where should you place a feeder?
Where do you want to watch your birds? From a kitchen window ... a sliding glass door opening onto a deck ... a second-story window? When the weather is bad and birds are most vulnerable, you may be reluctant to fill a feeder that is not in a convenient spot, like near a door or an easy-to-reach window. When placing your feeder, pick a site where discarded seed shells and bird droppings won't be a cleanup problem.
Put your feeder where the squirrels can't reach it. Squirrels become a problem when they take over a bird feeder, scaring the birds away and tossing seed all over. Squirrels have been known to chew right through plastic and wooden feeders.
If you've seen squirrels in your neighborhood, it is safe to assume they will visit your feeder. Think long and hard before you hang anything from a tree limb. Squirrels are incredibly agile, and any feeder hanging from a tree is likely to become a squirrel feeder. In the long run, a squirrel-proof feeder or any feeder on a pole with a baffle is the least aggravating solution. The most effective squirrel-proof feeder is the pole-mounted metal "house" type.
If you must hang a feeder, select a tube protected with metal mesh. Most plastic "squirrel-proof" feeders, despite manufacturers' claims, may eventually succumb to the squirrels. Any wood or plastic feeder can be effective when mounted on a pole with a plastic or metal baffle, if the pole is at least 10 feet or more from a tree limb or trunk. Remember, squirrels can jump great distances.
Which feed should I buy?
Peanuts No Shell
Blue Jay, Nuthatch, Woodpecker, Sparrow
Peanuts In Shell
Blue Jay
Cracked Corn
Cardinal, Blue Jay, Sparrow, Junco, Woodpecker, Mourning Dove
Oil Sunflower
Sparrow, Grosbeak, Gold Finch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Pine Siskin, Nuthatch, Red Poll, Cardinal, Blue Jay
Striped Sunflower
Sparrow, Finches, Grosbeak, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Nuthatch, Woodpecker
Nyjer
Mourning Dove, Sparrow, Finches, Junco, Red Poll, Pine Siskin, Chickadee
Millet
Mourning Dove, Sparrow, House Finch, Gold Finch, Cardinal, Junco, Red Poll, Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch
Safflower
House Finch, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Nuthatch
Suet
Nuthatch, Junco, Wood Pecker, Chickadee, Blue Jay
Blue Jay, Nuthatch, Woodpecker, Sparrow
Peanuts In Shell
Blue Jay
Cracked Corn
Cardinal, Blue Jay, Sparrow, Junco, Woodpecker, Mourning Dove
Oil Sunflower
Sparrow, Grosbeak, Gold Finch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Mourning Dove, Chickadee, Pine Siskin, Nuthatch, Red Poll, Cardinal, Blue Jay
Striped Sunflower
Sparrow, Finches, Grosbeak, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Nuthatch, Woodpecker
Nyjer
Mourning Dove, Sparrow, Finches, Junco, Red Poll, Pine Siskin, Chickadee
Millet
Mourning Dove, Sparrow, House Finch, Gold Finch, Cardinal, Junco, Red Poll, Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch
Safflower
House Finch, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Nuthatch
Suet
Nuthatch, Junco, Wood Pecker, Chickadee, Blue Jay
How much food should a feeder hold?
The ideal feeder capacity varies with your situation and the types of birds you want to attract. If you feed hummingbirds, big feeders are not always better. One hummingbird will drink about twice its body weight (less than an ounce) a day. Early in the season, hummers are territorial and won't share a feeder. A 16-ounce feeder can be wasteful, or even lethal, because artificial nectar (sugar water) can ferment in the hot summer sun. A 2-ounce feeder is more than enough for one hummer. Increase the number of feeders in your yard based on the number of hummers you see.
If you opt for a large-volume seed feeder, protect it from the weather and keep it clean. You'll know it's time to clean your feeder if birds suddenly abandon your feeder full of seed after months of using it.
What if too many birds are feeding?
You can control the number of birds at your feeder by putting out smaller amounts of seed, or by using specialty seeds or restrictive feeders that will attract only certain species. If you fill your feeder only when it's empty, the birds will look for food elsewhere.
Feeders that restrict access will encourage small birds and discourage large birds. Wood feeders with vertical bars and feeders covered with wire mesh frustrate larger birds. The most non-selective feeders are the tray, platform, or house feeders because they allow easy access by all birds.
If starlings are a problem at your suet feeder, discourage them by using a suet feeder with access only upside down. Chickadees and woodpeckers don't find that a problem.
Only small birds are likely to be attracted to tube feeders without trays. Remove the perches, and you will further restrict the feeder to only those birds that can easily cling - like finches, chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers.
You can virtually eliminate visits by birds you would rather not see by offering seeds they won't eat. If you use more than one type of seed, put them in separate feeders. This will reduce wasted seeds because birds will toss unwanted seeds out of a feeder to get to their favorites. Watch a feeder willed with a seed mix and you'll see the birds methodically drop most of the seeds to get to their favorite - sunflower.
Many birds prefer sunflower. Some prefer millet. A few prefer peanuts. Sparrows, blackbirds, doves, and juncos will eat the other grains used in pre-made mixes - corn, milo, red millet, oats, wheat, and canary seed. Birds will also kick out artificial "berry" pellets, a processed seed flavored and colored to look like real fruit.
Black oil sunflower is the hands-down favorite of all birds that visit tube and house feeders. Birds who visit platform feeders (doves and sparrows) favor white proso millet, Ducks, geese, and quail will eat corn. Many cereal grains (corn, milo, oats, canary, wheat, rape, flax, and buckwheat) in mixed birdseeds are not favorites of birds that visit tube feeders.
The most effective way to attract the largest variety of birds to your yard is to put out separate feeders for each food:
• A starling-resistant suet feeder
• A house feeder for sunflower seeds
• A bluebird feeder
• A wire mesh cage feeder for peanuts
• A nectar feeder
• A tube feeder for thistle
• A stationary or tray fruit feeder
• A house or platform feeder for millet
Keep uninvited guests from visiting bird feeders
When you get your bird feeding station up and running, you may run into problems with two kinds of uninvited guests - those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, and starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in eating a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).
When a squirrel is at the feeder, you're not likely to see birds. Squirrels will scare off the birds while they eat the seed and sometimes they will eat the feeder, too. The simplest solution is a squirrel-proof feeder or pole.
Starlings and house sparrows are not native to North America and are aggressive toward other species. Choose your feeder and seed to exclude these species if possible. Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become a problem where there is seed spillage under the feeder. Don't use mixed birdseed, which increases the chances of spills. Add a feeder tray if you don't have a squirrel problem.
Untamed cats and your neighbor's tabby are a serious threat to many birds. Keep feeders away from brush and shrubbery because cats can use these as cover and allow them to surprise birds. If there are no cats in your neighbourhood and you find a pile of feathers near your feeder, look for a satisfied hawk perching on a tree nearby. But don't put out poisons or try to trap a hawk because it is against the law.
The ideal feeder capacity varies with your situation and the types of birds you want to attract. If you feed hummingbirds, big feeders are not always better. One hummingbird will drink about twice its body weight (less than an ounce) a day. Early in the season, hummers are territorial and won't share a feeder. A 16-ounce feeder can be wasteful, or even lethal, because artificial nectar (sugar water) can ferment in the hot summer sun. A 2-ounce feeder is more than enough for one hummer. Increase the number of feeders in your yard based on the number of hummers you see.
If you opt for a large-volume seed feeder, protect it from the weather and keep it clean. You'll know it's time to clean your feeder if birds suddenly abandon your feeder full of seed after months of using it.
What if too many birds are feeding?
You can control the number of birds at your feeder by putting out smaller amounts of seed, or by using specialty seeds or restrictive feeders that will attract only certain species. If you fill your feeder only when it's empty, the birds will look for food elsewhere.
Feeders that restrict access will encourage small birds and discourage large birds. Wood feeders with vertical bars and feeders covered with wire mesh frustrate larger birds. The most non-selective feeders are the tray, platform, or house feeders because they allow easy access by all birds.
If starlings are a problem at your suet feeder, discourage them by using a suet feeder with access only upside down. Chickadees and woodpeckers don't find that a problem.
Only small birds are likely to be attracted to tube feeders without trays. Remove the perches, and you will further restrict the feeder to only those birds that can easily cling - like finches, chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers.
You can virtually eliminate visits by birds you would rather not see by offering seeds they won't eat. If you use more than one type of seed, put them in separate feeders. This will reduce wasted seeds because birds will toss unwanted seeds out of a feeder to get to their favorites. Watch a feeder willed with a seed mix and you'll see the birds methodically drop most of the seeds to get to their favorite - sunflower.
Many birds prefer sunflower. Some prefer millet. A few prefer peanuts. Sparrows, blackbirds, doves, and juncos will eat the other grains used in pre-made mixes - corn, milo, red millet, oats, wheat, and canary seed. Birds will also kick out artificial "berry" pellets, a processed seed flavored and colored to look like real fruit.
Black oil sunflower is the hands-down favorite of all birds that visit tube and house feeders. Birds who visit platform feeders (doves and sparrows) favor white proso millet, Ducks, geese, and quail will eat corn. Many cereal grains (corn, milo, oats, canary, wheat, rape, flax, and buckwheat) in mixed birdseeds are not favorites of birds that visit tube feeders.
The most effective way to attract the largest variety of birds to your yard is to put out separate feeders for each food:
• A starling-resistant suet feeder
• A house feeder for sunflower seeds
• A bluebird feeder
• A wire mesh cage feeder for peanuts
• A nectar feeder
• A tube feeder for thistle
• A stationary or tray fruit feeder
• A house or platform feeder for millet
Keep uninvited guests from visiting bird feeders
When you get your bird feeding station up and running, you may run into problems with two kinds of uninvited guests - those interested in the seeds (squirrels and chipmunks, rats and mice, and starlings and house sparrows), and those interested in eating a bird for dinner (cats and hawks).
When a squirrel is at the feeder, you're not likely to see birds. Squirrels will scare off the birds while they eat the seed and sometimes they will eat the feeder, too. The simplest solution is a squirrel-proof feeder or pole.
Starlings and house sparrows are not native to North America and are aggressive toward other species. Choose your feeder and seed to exclude these species if possible. Chipmunks, rats and mice can also become a problem where there is seed spillage under the feeder. Don't use mixed birdseed, which increases the chances of spills. Add a feeder tray if you don't have a squirrel problem.
Untamed cats and your neighbor's tabby are a serious threat to many birds. Keep feeders away from brush and shrubbery because cats can use these as cover and allow them to surprise birds. If there are no cats in your neighbourhood and you find a pile of feathers near your feeder, look for a satisfied hawk perching on a tree nearby. But don't put out poisons or try to trap a hawk because it is against the law.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT FEEDING WILD BIRDS
When is the best time to start?
Usually, whenever the weather is severe, birds will appreciate a reliable supplemental food source. In northern areas, start before the onset of cold weather so birds have time to find the feeder.
Is it best to stop feeding hummingbirds after Labor Day?
There is no evidence that feeding hummers after Labor Day will delay migration. Still, feeders in areas with sub-freezing winter weather should be removed shortly after that holiday. Tempting hummers to remain beyond normal departure dates by keeping food available may be hazardous.
How close to my window can I put a feeder?
Birds will come right to your window. Sometimes it takes a while for them to overcome their initial reluctance, so be patient. Don't worry that a feeder on the window will cause birds to fly into the window.
How long does it take for birds to find a feeder?
It may take more time for birds to find window feeders than hanging or pole-mounted feeders. You may want to wrap aluminum foil around the top of the feeder hanger. Sometimes all it takes is the reflection of light on the foil to catch their attention.
My feeder is full of seeds and I haven't seen a bird in months. Am I doing something wrong?
When you feed birds, expect bird droppings and a leftover food mess. While you do not have to wash the feeder daily, you should clean it at least every few weeks. Diseases like salmonella can grow in moldy, wet seed and bird droppings that may be in your feeder tray and on the ground below.
The maintenance required to keep your feeder clean varies according to the type of feeder. A thistle feeder for goldfinches should be cleaned about once a month depending on how often it rains. Hummingbird feeders require cleaning at least weekly, but preferably two or three times a week. Sunflower and suet feeders need to be cleaned only once a month.
Plastic, ceramic and glass feeders are easy to clean. Wash them in a bucket of hot, soapy water fortified with a capful or two of chlorine bleach. Use the same regimen with wood feeders, but substitute another disinfectant for the bleach so your wood won't fade.
When birds desert your feeder, it may be simply that a lot of natural food is available nearby. Or something may be wrong, such as spoiled seeds or a contaminated feeder. Throw the seeds away and wash the feeder. Look at where your feeder is placed. Be sure it's not vulnerable to predators. At the same time, make sure it is not in an open area, away from the cover in which birds usually travel.
Will birds' feet stick to metal feeders and perches in the wet winter weather?
Birds don't have sweat glands in their feet, so they won't freeze onto metal feeders. There's no need to cover any metal feeders parts with plastic or wood to protect birds' feet, tongues or eyes.
Can birds choke on peanut butter?
There is no evidence that birds can choke on peanut butter. However, birds have no salivary glands. You can make it easier on them by mixing peanut butter with lard, cornmeal or grit. Your birds will appreciate drinking water, too, from a birdbath or trough.
When is the best time to start?
Usually, whenever the weather is severe, birds will appreciate a reliable supplemental food source. In northern areas, start before the onset of cold weather so birds have time to find the feeder.
Is it best to stop feeding hummingbirds after Labor Day?
There is no evidence that feeding hummers after Labor Day will delay migration. Still, feeders in areas with sub-freezing winter weather should be removed shortly after that holiday. Tempting hummers to remain beyond normal departure dates by keeping food available may be hazardous.
How close to my window can I put a feeder?
Birds will come right to your window. Sometimes it takes a while for them to overcome their initial reluctance, so be patient. Don't worry that a feeder on the window will cause birds to fly into the window.
How long does it take for birds to find a feeder?
It may take more time for birds to find window feeders than hanging or pole-mounted feeders. You may want to wrap aluminum foil around the top of the feeder hanger. Sometimes all it takes is the reflection of light on the foil to catch their attention.
My feeder is full of seeds and I haven't seen a bird in months. Am I doing something wrong?
When you feed birds, expect bird droppings and a leftover food mess. While you do not have to wash the feeder daily, you should clean it at least every few weeks. Diseases like salmonella can grow in moldy, wet seed and bird droppings that may be in your feeder tray and on the ground below.
The maintenance required to keep your feeder clean varies according to the type of feeder. A thistle feeder for goldfinches should be cleaned about once a month depending on how often it rains. Hummingbird feeders require cleaning at least weekly, but preferably two or three times a week. Sunflower and suet feeders need to be cleaned only once a month.
Plastic, ceramic and glass feeders are easy to clean. Wash them in a bucket of hot, soapy water fortified with a capful or two of chlorine bleach. Use the same regimen with wood feeders, but substitute another disinfectant for the bleach so your wood won't fade.
When birds desert your feeder, it may be simply that a lot of natural food is available nearby. Or something may be wrong, such as spoiled seeds or a contaminated feeder. Throw the seeds away and wash the feeder. Look at where your feeder is placed. Be sure it's not vulnerable to predators. At the same time, make sure it is not in an open area, away from the cover in which birds usually travel.
Will birds' feet stick to metal feeders and perches in the wet winter weather?
Birds don't have sweat glands in their feet, so they won't freeze onto metal feeders. There's no need to cover any metal feeders parts with plastic or wood to protect birds' feet, tongues or eyes.
Can birds choke on peanut butter?
There is no evidence that birds can choke on peanut butter. However, birds have no salivary glands. You can make it easier on them by mixing peanut butter with lard, cornmeal or grit. Your birds will appreciate drinking water, too, from a birdbath or trough.
HOW TO LANDSCAPE FOR BIRDS
Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements that may change as the seasons change. Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, nuts and nectar.
Water
You may be able to double the number of bird species in your yard by providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing or moving.
Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (including dead ones), shrubs, tall grass and birdhouses provide excellent shelter.
Protection
Birds should be protected from accidental death. When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their accessibility to predators. Birds will fly directly at picture windows when they see the reflection of trees and shrubs. A network of parallel, vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the outside of windows to prevent this problem. Stickers and decals on the window may help deter birds. Be cautious about the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. Apply them only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions. In fact, try gardening and lawn care without using pesticides.
Give birds food and shelter throughout the year by planting a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers that provide year-round benefits.
Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements that may change as the seasons change. Learn the food habits of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide the fruits, berries, seeds, acorns, nuts and nectar.
Water
You may be able to double the number of bird species in your yard by providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing or moving.
Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape from severe weather. Trees (including dead ones), shrubs, tall grass and birdhouses provide excellent shelter.
Protection
Birds should be protected from accidental death. When choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their accessibility to predators. Birds will fly directly at picture windows when they see the reflection of trees and shrubs. A network of parallel, vertical strings spaced 4 inches apart can be placed on the outside of windows to prevent this problem. Stickers and decals on the window may help deter birds. Be cautious about the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. Apply them only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions. In fact, try gardening and lawn care without using pesticides.
Give birds food and shelter throughout the year by planting a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers that provide year-round benefits.
