how attract birds to new feeder

As you surely know by now, your outdoor space is more than just your own personal oasis. Its a gathering space for your neighborhoods favorite birds, too. But getting these feathered friends to actually flock to your garden (and then stay a while) is easier said than done. Still, with the right tips and tricks, you can turn your backyard into the most popular place to perch, snack, and chirp in town! So read on to uncover eight ways to attract birds to your yard today!

2. Fill the Feeder with a Popular Seed

Three types of sunflower seeds that draw almost all kinds of birds are black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, and Nyjer® or thistle seeds. Most feeders will accept any of these seed types. A finch feeder is the only one that doesn’t have feeding ports small enough for anything other than Nyjer.

Start with one of these even if you intend to use a different kind of seed in your new feeder. As the birds get used to the new feeder, you can gradually add your preferred seed.

Putting some of the seed in an open platform or on top of the feeder (a shallow pan or foil pie plate will work just fine) is another clever trick. Birds have incredible vision, but a very poor sense of smell. They will have no trouble finding the feeding ports once they notice the seed atop the feeder.

Baltimore Oriole at Bird Bath / Shutterstock

3. Add Enticements to Attract the Birds

Water is just as essential to birds as food is, so providing them with clean, fresh water in a bird bath will be a much-needed source of refreshment. When birds bathe and preen, having access to water will also help them keep their feathers healthy.

Take a look at these eight suggestions to assist you in selecting and installing the ideal bird bath.

Consider adding a dripper, a bird bath fountain, a wiggler, or a mister to draw birds to the bath in addition to the feeders. Moving water will catch and reflect sunlight and made noise. Both the light and the sound will attract more birds.

1. Try different types of traditional bird food

The most widely available type of bird food is bird seed, which will satisfy the majority of the birds you’re trying to attract to your garden. However, it resembles a piece of toast or plain cereal. Sure, it will quench your hunger, but you probably won’t move mountains to eat it. Well, same goes for birds.

Try upgrading your daily menu to draw birds to your yard in a significant way. A mixture of foods, such as sugar water, suet, oranges, blue jays, and sunflower seeds, will help attract a variety of bird species to your garden, including hummingbirds and blue jays.

FAQ

How do you get birds to come to a new feeder?

Another neat trick is to place some of the seed on top of the feeder or in an open platform (a foil pie plate or shallow pan will work just fine). Birds have a very poor sense of smell, but amazing vision. Once they see the seed on top of the feeder, they’ll easily find their way to the feeding ports.

How long does it take for birds to find a new feeder?

If you have not yet been feeding birds in your backyard, it may take from one day to several months before the birds in your area discover your new feeder. Be patient and consider the following: It is important that you use a seed type or seed blend based on the birds in your area.

Why are the birds not coming to my new feeder?

The feeder is new or has been left empty for a while. Birds can be wary of new objects, so even a shiny new feeder replacing an old one may require an adjustment period.

Do birds remember feeder locations?

Birds possess a remarkable ability to remember locations where they have found food.