Choosing and Maintaining a Bird Feeder
A bird feeder can bring color, activity, and a closer view of local wildlife to a garden. The right feeder, placed and maintained thoughtfully, can offer birds a dependable food source while helping people enjoy the natural life around them. A feeder works best as part of a bird-friendly landscape that also provides native plants, fresh water, and safe shelter.
Choose a Feeder for the Birds You Hope to Attract
Different feeder designs suit different birds and foods. Consider starting with one feeder and observing which birds visit before adding more.
- Tube feeders are commonly used for sunflower seeds and can attract finches, chickadees, and other small birds.
- Hopper feeders hold a larger supply of seed and may appeal to cardinals, grosbeaks, and other medium-sized birds.
- Platform feeders offer an open surface for birds that prefer to feed on a flat area. Use them carefully, since exposed seed can get wet or dirty more easily.
- Suet feeders hold blocks of high-energy suet, which can attract woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds, particularly in cooler weather.
- Nyjer feeders have small openings designed for nyjer seed, a favorite of many finches.
Choose sturdy feeders made of durable, easy-to-clean materials. A feeder with drainage holes and removable parts is easier to keep in good condition.
Offer Fresh, Suitable Food
Black-oil sunflower seed is a versatile choice that appeals to many common feeder birds. Nyjer seed, suet, and plain safflower seed can attract other species. Choose food suited to the feeder and the birds in your area, and buy only what you can use while it is fresh.
Avoid offering salty foods, seasoned scraps, or bread as a substitute for bird food. Store seed in a cool, dry, rodent-resistant container. Discard seed that is moldy, damp, or has an unusual odor.
Place the Feeder With Safety in Mind
Position a feeder where it is easy to see and refill, but not so close to windows that birds are likely to collide with them. Window collisions are a significant hazard. Where possible, place feeders very close to windows—within about 3 feet—or much farther away, and use visible window markers or other collision-prevention measures.
Keep feeders near shrubs or trees that give birds a place to perch and seek cover, while leaving enough open space to help them spot approaching predators. Avoid placing a feeder where cats can hide nearby or leap onto it. A pole-mounted feeder with a baffle can help deter squirrels and other climbing animals.
Keep the Feeder Clean
Regular cleaning helps reduce the spread of disease. Remove old or wet food, wash the feeder with hot soapy water, rinse it thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely before refilling. Clean feeders more often during warm, wet weather or whenever you see spoiled seed or signs of sick birds. Rake up spilled seed and droppings beneath the feeder, too.
If several birds appear sick or dead near a feeder, take the feeder down temporarily and clean the area. Follow current guidance from local wildlife authorities about when it is appropriate to put the feeder back up. Cleaning equipment should be used only for that purpose and handled with care.
Make the Whole Garden Bird-Friendly
Feeders can supplement natural food, but native plants provide long-term benefits. Trees, shrubs, and flowering plants offer seeds, berries, nectar, insects, and nesting places throughout the year. A shallow birdbath with clean, refreshed water can provide another useful resource. Avoid pesticides whenever possible, since many birds rely on insects to feed their young.
With the right feeder, fresh food, and regular care, a backyard feeding station can be an enjoyable way to observe birds and connect with nature. Watch which species visit, adjust the food or feeder as needed, and let the surrounding garden do much of the work of supporting wildlife.
5 Essential Tips for Maintaining a Healthy and Inviting Bird Feeder
- Place the bird feeder near trees or shrubs for cover.
- Keep feeders clean to prevent disease.
- Use seed suited to the birds in your area.
- Refill the feeder regularly, especially in cold weather.
- Store birdseed in a sealed, dry container.
Place the bird feeder near trees or shrubs for cover.
Place your bird feeder near trees or shrubs to give visiting birds a nearby place to perch and take cover from predators and harsh weather. Leave a little open space around the feeder so birds can spot potential danger and approach safely.
Keep feeders clean to prevent disease.
Keep bird feeders clean to help prevent the spread of disease among visiting birds. Regularly remove old or damp seed, scrub the feeder with hot, soapy water, rinse it thoroughly, and let it dry completely before refilling. Also clear away spilled seed and droppings beneath the feeder, where germs can accumulate.
Use seed suited to the birds in your area.
Choose seed that matches the birds found in your area to make your feeder more appealing and reduce waste. Black-oil sunflower seed attracts many common backyard birds, while nyjer seed is popular with finches. Check local birding resources to learn which species visit your neighborhood, and offer fresh, high-quality seed in a clean, well-maintained feeder.
Refill the feeder regularly, especially in cold weather.
Refill your bird feeder regularly, especially during cold weather when natural food can be harder for birds to find and they need extra energy to stay warm. Check the feeder often so it doesn’t run empty, and add only enough fresh seed to keep it stocked without letting food sit too long and become damp, stale, or spoiled.
Store birdseed in a sealed, dry container.
Store birdseed in a sealed, dry container to help keep it fresh and protect it from moisture, pests, and contamination. A tight-fitting lid can discourage insects and rodents, while a cool, dry storage spot helps prevent seed from becoming damp or moldy. Check the seed regularly and discard any that smells musty, looks moldy, or has clumped from moisture.