The best place to put a bird feeder.
Where you place your bird feeder can make all the difference to the number of visitors you get.
Bird feeders are a great way to attract birds to your garden and support your local wild birdlife with supplementary food. But where you place your feeder can make all the difference to the number of visitors you get.
It's important to position your feeder in the right place for the safety of the birds as they won't visit if they don't feel safe. So here are six factors to consider when placing your feeders in your garden.
1. Provide a quiet spot.
If possible, your bird feeder should be placed where the birds won’t be disturbed regularly by humans, so a back garden is more likely to work than a busy front garden.
2. Choose an open and safe place.
The birds won't come if they don't feel safe. Choose a location with a good all-around view so that the birds can see they are safe from any predators while they feed.
The bird feeder should be positioned away from cat ambush sites such as fences and trees from which cats can leap and dense bushes from which they can hide.
3. Find a sheltered location.
Make sure the feeder isn't in too much sun as that will make it hard for the birds to spend much time there. And avoid a windy spot too as the wind can make it hard for the birds to settle and will make them cold.
4. Close to a lookout point.
Birds will watch to ensure it's safe before they visit a bird feeder. If you can position your feeder a few meters away from a small bush, fence or tree the birds can safely perch there to view their surrounding. They can also use this spot to ‘queue up’ to take their turn at the feeder.
5. Keep it clean.
Remember to regularly clean your bird feeder, even your fruit feeders, this will help support your NZ birds by protecting them from the spread of pests and diseases. Find out how to keep your bird feeder clean.
6. Make sure you can see it.
Remember that part of the fun of feeding the birds is watching their antics at the feeder. So make sure you can see the feeder from a comfy spot so you can watch the magic of the wildlife you are supporting and kohabiting with.
