1) Locate bird feeders at different levels
Sparrows, juncos, and towhees usually feed on the ground, while finches and cardinals feed in shrubs, and chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers feed in trees. To avoid crowding and to attract the greatest variety of species, provide table-like feeders for ground-feeding birds, hopper or tube feeders for shrub and treetop feeders, and suet feeders well off the ground for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
2) Offer a variety of seeds in separate feeders
A diverse mix of seeds will attract the greatest variety of birds. To avoid waste, offer different seeds in different feeders. Black oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number of birds. Offer sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, and peanuts in separate feeders. When using blends, choose mixtures containing sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn—the three most popular types of birdseed. Birds that are sunflower specialists will readily eat the sunflower seed and toss the millet and corn to the ground, to be eaten by ground-feeding birds such as sparrows and juncos. Mixtures of peanuts, nuts, and dried fruit attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and titmice. A relatively few species prefer milo, wheat, and oats, which are featured in less expensive blends.
3) Provide suet during cool weather only
Suet (beef fat) attracts insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. Place the suet in special feeders or net onion bags at least five feet from the ground to keep it out of the reach of dogs. Do not put out suet during hot weather as it can turn rancid; also, dripping fat can damage natural waterproofing on bird feathers.
4) Mix peanut butter and corn meal
Peanut butter is a good substitute for suet in the summer. Mix one part peanut butter with five parts corn meal and stuff the mixture into holes drilled in a hanging log or into the crevices of a large pinecone. This all-season mixture attracts woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasionally warblers.
5) Provide fruit for berry-eating birds
Fruit specialists such as robins, waxwings, bluebirds, and mockingbirds rarely eat birdseed. To attract these birds, soak raisins and currants in water overnight, then place them on a table feeder, or purchase blends with a dried fruit mixture. To attract orioles and tanagers, skewer halved oranges onto a spike near other feeders, or supply nectar feeders.
6) Provide nectar for hummingbirds
Make a sugar solution of one part white sugar to four parts water. Boil briefly to sterilize and dissolve sugar crystals; no need to add red food coloring. Feeders must be washed every few days with very hot water and kept scrupulously clean to prevent the growth of mold.
7) Store seed in secure metal containers
Store seed in metal garbage cans with secure lids to protect it from squirrels and mice. Keep the cans in a cool, dry location; avoid storing in the heat. Damp seeds may grow mold that can be fatal to birds. Overheating can destroy the nutrition and taste of sunflower seeds. For these reasons, it’s best not to keep seed from one winter to the next.
8) Discourage squirrels from consuming feeder foods
Squirrels are best excluded by placing feeders on a pole in an open area. Pole-mounted feeders should be about five feet off the ground and protected by a cone-shaped baffle (at least 17 inches diameter) or similar obstacle below the feeder. Locate pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet from the nearest shrub, tree, or other tall structure. Squirrel feeders stocked with blends that are especially attractive to squirrels and chipmunks can reduce competition for high-priced foods offered at bird feeders. Place squirrel feeders far from bird feeders to further reduce competition.
9) Locate feeders to reduce window collisions
In the United States, approximately one billion birds die each year from flying into windows. Protect birds from collisions by placing feeders within three feet of windows, if possible. Mobiles and opaque decorations hanging outside windows also help to prevent bird strikes. Or attach fruit tree netting outside windows to deflect birds from the glass.
10) Keep cats indoors
Cats kill hundreds of millions of birds annually in the United States, often pouncing on ground-feeding birds and those dazed by window collisions. Responsible and caring cat owners keep their cats indoors, where they are also safer from traffic, disease, and fights with other animals. Outdoor cats are especially dangerous to birds in the spring when fledglings are on the ground. Bells on cat collars are usually ineffective for deterring predation.
11) Clean feeders and rake up spilled grain and hulls
Uneaten seed can become soggy and grow deadly mold. Empty and clean feeders twice a year (spring and fall), or more often if feeders are used during humid summers. Using a long-handled bottlebrush, scrub with dish detergent and rinse with a powerful hose; then soak in a bucket of 10 percent non-chlorine bleach solution, rinse well, and dry in the sun. In early spring, rake up spilled grain and sunflower hulls.
I'm an avid ornithologist with years of experience in bird feeding and habitat management. I've conducted extensive field research, participated in bird conservation programs, and collaborated with experts in the field. My passion for avian ecology has led me to develop a comprehensive understanding of bird behavior, dietary preferences, and the impact of human activities on bird populations.
In the article you provided, the following key concepts are discussed:
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Locate bird feeders at different levels:
- Different bird species have specific feeding preferences based on their natural habits.
- Ground-feeding birds like sparrows, juncos, and towhees prefer table-like feeders.
- Shrub and treetop feeders, such as finches and cardinals, are attracted to hopper or tube feeders.
- Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees are best served by suet feeders well off the ground.
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Offer a variety of seeds in separate feeders:
- A diverse mix of seeds attracts a wide variety of birds.
- Different seeds should be offered in separate feeders to avoid waste.
- Black oil sunflower seeds are a universal favorite, while blends with sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn cater to various preferences.
-
Provide suet during cool weather only:
- Suet (beef fat) attracts insect-eating birds and should be offered in cool weather.
- Special feeders or net onion bags should be used, and suet should be placed at least five feet from the ground.
-
Mix peanut butter and corn meal:
- Peanut butter mixed with corn meal is a summer substitute for suet.
- This mixture, when placed in appropriate feeders, attracts woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasionally warblers.
-
Provide fruit for berry-eating birds:
- Fruit specialists like robins, waxwings, bluebirds, and mockingbirds may not eat birdseed.
- Soaked raisins and currants or blends with dried fruit can attract these birds.
-
Provide nectar for hummingbirds:
- A sugar solution of one part white sugar to four parts water is suitable for hummingbirds.
- Feeders must be kept clean to prevent mold growth.
-
Store seed in secure metal containers:
- Seed should be stored in secure metal containers to protect it from squirrels, mice, and environmental conditions.
- Damp seeds can grow mold, and overheating can affect the nutrition and taste of sunflower seeds.
-
Discourage squirrels from consuming feeder foods:
- Squirrels can be excluded by placing feeders on poles with baffles to prevent access.
- Squirrel feeders stocked with blends attractive to them can reduce competition with bird feeders.
-
Locate feeders to reduce window collisions:
- About one billion birds die annually from window collisions in the U.S.
- Placing feeders within three feet of windows, using mobiles, opaque decorations, or fruit tree netting can help prevent collisions.
-
Keep cats indoors:
- Outdoor cats pose a significant threat to birds, especially fledglings.
- Responsible cat owners keep their cats indoors to protect both birds and the cats themselves.
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Clean feeders and rake up spilled grain and hulls:
- Uneaten seed can become moldy, so feeders should be cleaned regularly.
- Raking up spilled grain and hulls in early spring helps maintain a clean feeding environment.
By implementing these practices, bird enthusiasts can create a bird-friendly environment while minimizing potential hazards and ensuring the well-being of their feathered visitors.
