You see wild birds feeding in your neighbor's yard and think, “How cool is that?” and “How can I do it?” Here are 6 easy steps to begin feeding birds in your yard. It's inexpensive, it's educational, and best of all, it’s fun!
6 Steps to Bird Feeding Success
1. Add a Bird Feeder
There are many types of wild bird feeders available. They include:
- Mesh Bird Feeders
- Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeders
- Platform Feeders
- Hopper Bird Feeders
- Tube Bird Feeders
- Window Bird Feeders
- Top-Fill Hummingbird Feeders
- Decorative Bird Feeders
- Wood Bird Feeders
Create a safe habitat where birds have food, water, and places to nest, and are protected from the weather (rain, wind, snow), predators and pests (cats, hawks, squirrels, ants, bees), and pesticides.
2. Get Bird Food
Start by putting out a wild bird food mix – sunflower seeds, Nyjer, and millet. To determine the types of food to put in your yard, learn what birds migrate or come for the season by looking online or asking at your local wild bird food store.
- Hummingbirds like nectar
- Flickers and woodpeckers like suet
- Finch like thistle
- Robins, bluebirds, waxwings and mockingbirds like fruit – apples, grapes, etc.
- Jays like nuts
- Orioles like halved oranges, nectar, and grape jelly
- Chickadees, woodpeckers, and titmice like a homemade recipe of 1 part peanut butter mixed with 5 parts corn meal
3. Place Your Feeder
When choosing a spot for your new bird feeder, there are a few criteria you should keep in mind. Put it where:
- The birds can see it
- It will be safe from dangers such as cats, reflective windows, and squirrels
- You have access to the feeder for easy filling and maintenance
- You can see it from your “bird watching station” – your porch or living room.
4. Just Add Water
Put fresh water out in your yard, near the feeder. Use a flat dish or a fountain on a stand. The birds will drink and bathe in it – but be sure to keep it fresh and clean.
5. Build Bird Loyalty
Feed your birds consistently to keep them coming back – including during the winter months. Maintain your feeder and water source; keep them filled with fresh food and keep them clean to avoid avian diseases from developing.
6. Wait Patiently
If this is the first time you've put a bird feeder in your yard, you may have to wait several weeks for them to discover it. To help birds find your feeder faster:
- Put some seed on the ground underneath the feeder to attract birds in flight
- Check the location of your feeder to make sure it can be seen from above
- Make certain you've got the right seed for the birds in your area
- Make sure no cats (or other predators) are lurking around your yard
- Most of all, stick with it!
Take the first step! Put out a feeder with sunflower seeds, Nyjer, and millet and see who shows up.
Make your yard an excellent feeding station and you'll experience hours of pleasure watching the wild birds feed. They will thank you for your time and effort with their beauty and companionship, countless times over!
