Did you know that there are over 10,000 species of birds in the world? Even in your own backyard, you may spot more types of birds than you know. But they never stay in one place for long, and some even migrate across the country.
One of the best ways to watch these winged animals is with feeders. But you’ll want to make sure you have the right type of bird feeder depending on the birds in your area.
Continue reading for 9 tips on how to choose the right bird feeder for you.
1. Get to Know the Birds in Your Area
There are many types of birds, and they all like to eat different foods. Learn which birds live in your region to fill your outdoor bird feeder properly. bird feeder options for different types of birds include:
- Tray feeders
- House feeders
- Window feeders
- Tube Feeders
- Suet Feeders
- Nyjer Feeders
2. Offer Quality Food Options
Provide birds with food packed with protein, such as peanuts and thistle seeds. This helps keep them energized, especially when they are migrating in the fall or winter.
3. Provide Fresh Water
In addition to good food, consider providing birdbaths for migrating birds. Not only does it help keep them hydrated, but they’ll clean their feathers for smoother flying. Enjoy bird watching when they land for a bath.
4. Use Suet Feeders in the Winter
These feeders are great in the winter to provide birds with seeds and suet.
Since birds that prefer insects usually go south for the winter, the rest that stay in your area will like to be looking for seeds. You may even consider multiple suet bird feeders for birds that flock.
5. Know Where to Hang Your Bird Feeder
Not all birds feed in trees. Depending on the types of birds in your area, you may want different types of bird feeders set at different heights. Those that are lower to the ground might need more durability. Click for more on how to locate your feeder for specific birds.
6. Hang Feeders that Discourage Squirrels
If squirrels terrorize your bird feeders, you may consider setting them up to dissuade them. A pole-mounted bird feeder with a squirrel baffle will keep them from climbing up to your food.
7. Keep Your Feeders Maintained
With as much traffic as your feeders see, you’ll want to periodically check their condition. If your feeder is falling apart, you may want to replace it with one that can make it through rougher seasons.
8. Know Where Birds Like to Perch
A bird feeder placed in an open area may leave birds exposed to predators. Locating your feeder near coniferous trees allows them to eat safely.
9. Consider Putting Your Bird Feeder Close to Windows.
Because birds have difficulty discerning where windows are, it is helpful to put distractions in front of them.
Bird feeders that are placed within 3 feet of windows drastically improve a bird’s chances of crashing into them.
Find More Tips for Bird Watching
When done properly, you can enjoy watching birds from the comfort of your home.
For more advice on choosing the right bird feeder, as well as some of the hottest home and garden trends, check out our Lifestyle page.
