Bird Feeder Placement

Welcome back, I hope your bird feeding/watching season is well underway.

First, enjoy a nice photo of a blue jay at my feeder last weekend:

In my last two previous posts, I covered the different types of bird feeders (http://dansgardening.blogspot.com/2014/11/exploring-different-types-of-bird.html) and bird food (http://dansgardening.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-to-feed-birdsmore-bird-photos.html.)

Now that I have given you information on the different types of feeders and bird foods, you may be wondering what feeder location(s) would be best to attract birds to your yard.

The first thing to do is to establish an area in your yard that you want to become a focus zone for watching birds.  It is best to choose this area based on a place inside your home from which you want to primarily watch the birds.  You will want to pick an area that has good visibility from inside your home.

Once you have determined an area in your yard, the key is to locate the feeder(s) to ensure the highest possible level of safety for the birds.

One of the biggest dangers to birds is windows. It’s hard to believe, but millions of birds are killed each year by striking windows.

Bird deaths from striking windows can be reduced by placing feeders within 3 feet or more than 30 feet from your windows. When feeders are less than 3 feet from your window, the birds cannot gain enough momentum when taking off from the feeder to harm them if they were to collide with your window.   A distance of more than 30 feet should allow them enough room to change their flight path to avoid a window.

Another danger to bird is cats.  The effects of cats and other predators can be reduced by placing feeders where there is cover within 10 feet or so.  Birds often will take seed from a feeder, then retreat to a shrub or tree to eat.  Birds love to hide in shrubbery, and they do so for good reason.  In the northeast, evergreen shrubs work the best since they provide protection even in the winter months.    

Providing a water source will also attract birds.  Of course, in this area of the country it will require a heater to prevent it from freezing.  Birds will usually be able to find other sources of water, such as dripping icicles.

When considering the proper height of your feeder, a good rule of thumb is hanging or pole mounting the feeder 5 to 8 feet off the ground.  Hanging in a tree or grape vine also works, but these locations will be more susceptible to squirrels.

Squirrels can prevent a huge challenge,  It is very difficult to keep them from your feeder,  Placing a baffle above or below the feeder may help (see photos below).  Some feeders now have weight activated perches that prevent seed from dispensing when a squirrel is sitting on the perch.  You can even purchase a hot pepper mixture to mix with the bird seed.  Supposedly this will deter the squirrels, however, based on personal experience, this doesn't work too well.

Finally, a nice sunrise photo from our home last week.

Until next time.