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Many people aspire to attract birds to their backyard because they enjoy watching them flitting about—and they appreciate the benefits birds bring to a yard, such as pest control and pollination of plants. It’s heartwarming to know you’re supporting the local and transient bird population by feeding your avian neighbors.
But it’s easy to make bird feeder mistakes that deter—or worse, endanger—the feathered friends you yearn to see. We’ll share some of the common mistakes that you can easily correct in the hopes of welcoming more birds to your yard.
1. Using the wrong type of feeder.
Each bird species prefers a specific type of feeder, so choose wisely in order to attract the type of birds you want to see; or set up a variety of different styles of bird feeders to welcome many species.
Some common feeder styles and the birds they’re best suited for include:
- Tube feeders: small birds like finches, chickadees, titmice, sparrows, grosbeaks
- Sock feeders: small songbirds like finches and buntings
- Hopper feeders: larger birds like cardinals, bluejays, nuthatches, woodpeckers
- Platform feeders: ground-feeding birds like doves, juncos, sparrows, towhees
- Suet feeders: woodpeckers and nuthatches
- Nectar feeders: hummingbirds and orioles
2. Using the wrong type of feed.
Small birds prefer small seeds such as millet that they can crack open with their little beaks, while larger birds like bigger, hard seeds like sunflower and peanuts.
Look for seed mixes containing:
- Sunflower
- White millet
- Nyjer
- Safflower
- Suet
- Peanuts
Choose high-quality seed free of fillers, such as milo, oats, red millet, and cracked corn, that have little nutritional value. Bread fills birds up quickly, giving them a sense of being full, says Dan DeBaun, owner of Dan’s Bird Bites, but offers almost nothing in nutritional value. It can even cause stomach issues, impacting their survival. Consider seasonal needs, too. Suet, for example, is a good winter feed, while nectar is better in summer.
3. Poor placement.
Bird feeders placed in the wrong spot can keep birds from visiting—or put them in danger. Feeders should be positioned in an area that offers shelter from the elements and predators. Feeders should be securely attached to a post or branch, at least 3 feet away from windows to prevent collisions and disorientation, 4 to 5 feet above ground for safety and easy locating, away from other feeders to discourage competition.
When placing your feeders, ensure they are hung from sturdy hangers. Consider a cover or weather-appropriate materials so metal feeders don’t become too hot to touch or slippery from ice and snow.
4. Failure to fill the feeder.
Once you set up a feeder, it’s important to keep it filled. Birds will return if the feeder is well-stocked. But if it remains empty for a long time, they’ll find food elsewhere. A busy feeder may need to be restocked every day or two, but if there’s little activity, refilling may be necessary only every 3 to 4 days.
Don’t try to save steps by intentionally overfilling a feeder. That can cause spillage, which might attract rodents. It can also compact the seeds, resulting in them rotting inside the feeder. When exposed to air and the elements, birdseed can oxidize or go bad. If the birds eat the bad seed, they can become sick or even die.
5. Dirty feeders.
A dirty bird feeder can harbor bacteria, fungi, and mold, which can cause disease and illness in birds. These microorganisms thrive in damp and dark conditions, making bird feeders an ideal breeding ground. Bird droppings and seed debris can also accumulate, attracting insects and rodents that can spread disease.
“It’s important that you clean a bird feeder once every couple of weeks in order to help prevent the spread of disease,” DeBaun says. Cleaning your bird feeder regularly is essential to prevent the buildup of harmful microorganisms and pests. “Birds are more likely to visit bird feeders that are well-maintained.”
6. Lack of nearby water source.
Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, and will be attracted to feeders in close proximity to a shallow birdbath or fountain. While they don’t bathe during the winter months, they need drinking water year-round.
A solar-powered birdbath, like this highly rated option available at Amazon, or a birdbath heater can keep the water flowing—and the birds flocking to it. Some birds who don’t frequent feeders, such as American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Warblers, and Catbirds, might stop by just for the birdbath. A word of caution: Don’t use anti-freeze; it is lethal to birds and other animals.
7. Failure to provide protection from predators and other hazards.
Birds need a safe and welcoming space to eat, drink, and bathe. Predators can include raccoons dexterous enough to infiltrate bird feeders, squirrels, birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and more. According to the American Bird Conservancy, domestic cats are the biggest threat to birds.
Squirrel-proof feeders and raccoon baffles can deter many predators. Bee guards and ant moats safeguard hummingbird and oriole feeders.
