Bird Feeding: What, When, Why & How?

Bird Feeding: What, When, Why & How?

When you look out your window, do you see nothing but snow? Then, you notice a chickadee or warbler in a nearby tree and wonder if it is hungry. 

 

You are not alone. Millions of people feed the wild birds of their neighborhoods. If you are considering this, there are a few things that you should know.

 

What You Should Know About Feeding Birds

Feeding birds can be both a simple and complicated task. Most of the complication comes at the decision phase of the process–that is, choosing the best feeder, knowing where to place it, and what kind of seed works best for the season. To make things a bit easier, keep these tips in mind. 

 

Be Consistent

Before you start feeding the wild birds in your area, remember that they will begin to depend upon you for at least part of their diet. They are not as dependent upon you as your pets are, but they will become accustomed to eating from your feeders. 

 

So, plan on filling them regularly and you will be rewarded by a colorful display as they perch and enjoy a quick snack before flitting away.

 

Different Foods Will Bring Different Birds

Looking for certain species? Put out the right kind of food. Each species has its own favored foods, so figure out what birds you want to attract, then put out their favorite foods. 

 

Here is a short list you can use:

  • Blue jays: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet, meat scraps, cracked corn, safflower, mealworms
  • Buntings: Millet, milo, black sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanuts
  • Cardinals: Sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, millet, fruit
  • Cedar Waxwings: Berries, chopped fruits, canned peas, currants, raisins
  • Chickadees: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet, peanut butter, mealworms
  • Doves and pigeons: Millet, cracked corn, wheat, milo, Nyjer, buckwheat, sunflower hearts
  • Finches: Nyjer, sunflower hearts, fruit, peanuts, suet
  • Mockingbirds: Suet, millet, sunflower hearts
  • Robins: Suet, mealworms, berries, chopped fruits, nutmeats, sunflower hearts
  • Sparrows: Millet, milo, black sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanuts
  • Warblers: Suet, fruit, sugar solution, chopped nutmeats, mealworms
  • Woodpeckers: Suet, sunflower seeds and hearts, cracked corn, peanuts, fruit, mealworms
  • Wrens: Suet, peanut butter, peanuts, fruit, millet, mealworms, sunflower seeds

 

Try a variety of seeds like thistle, sunflower, millet, peanuts, cracked corn and in cooler weather, add suet. Avoid suet in hot weather because it can spoil. Peanut butter and cornmeal are good foods in the summer, and try putting out nectar and fruit as well. See how many species pay you a visit.

 

Pick The Right Feeder

Each type of food requires a certain type of feeder. Some feeders are made for just one type of seed, others are made for a variety. Look for feeders with a cover to shelter it from rain, along with drain holes so that water doesn’t accumulate. 

 

You might want to avoid feeders with points and sharp edges and try to find a feeder that has perches that prevent the birds from soiling the feeder.

 

Clean Your Feeders

And don’t forget to clean your feeder! A wide variety of birds will be visiting, and a dirty feeder can spread disease. 

 

Glass and plastic feeders are easier to clean than wood and clay. While smaller feeders need to be filled more often, the frequent filling helps to prevent mold and mildew from damaging the seeds.

 

Where Should I Put My Bird Feeder?

Most bird feeders should be placed about 5 or 6 feet off the ground. This gives them a little protection from cats and other predators. Try to place them less than 3 feet from windows or more than 25 feet so birds won’t be as likely to fly into the window, injuring themselves.

 

However, different birds feel comfortable perching at different heights in trees and shrubs. This is also true when they feed. You need to place your feeders at the right height for the birds that you want to feed. 

 

Some birds, like doves, sparrows, and towhees like to forage on the ground, and nuthatches, woodpeckers, and wrens prefer theirs on the trunk of a tree.

 

Win The Battle With Squirrels

Have problems with squirrels? You aren’t alone! One squirrel can empty a feeder in minutes. There are many ways to keep them from wasting birdseed. Take a look at our blog for squirrels-proofing your feeders.

 

Keep Your Feathered Neighbors Happy & Healthy

As the boundaries of cities expand, the natural sources of food for most birds get smaller and smaller. While it might be best for birds to find their own food, that is not always possible. 

 

So lend them a hand and provide them with some of the food that they need to thrive. Not only will you feel good about it, but you will also be able to enjoy the constant and colorful traffic to and from your feeders all twelve months of the year.