Feeders, flowers, bird baths, and a myriad of accessories all attract birds to our gardens every day. However, there is a little bit more to it than just putting bird seed out (although they do love that). Whether you have a lush garden brimming with birds or you are just getting started with no clue what to do, we’ve got a few simple tips to get your birding started. While there is no magic wand for attracting birds, get the set up right and once they know you are there, they will return again and again.
1. Use a variety of food
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as buying a bag of bird seed at the grocery store, putting it into a feeder, and then waiting. Different birds eat different foods and many birds eat differently depending on the time of year and their breeding cycle. Hummingbirds, for instance, are attracted by nectar, we all know that. But they also eat insects, especially when they have young chicks as they need more protein than nectar alone provides. Here are the best types of food to have in your garden.
Suet
Suet is a high-energy food made of animal fat that is often fed to wild birds. It’s a great source of calories, especially during the colder months when birds need extra energy to stay warm. It is typically made from the hard fat around the kidneys and loins of beef or mutton. However, most kinds of beef fat can be used commonly. As an animal fat, it is easily digested and metabolized by birds. And they love it.
Suet attracts a wide range of birds, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, jays, and starlings. It is often served in the form of cakes or balls, which can be placed in specialized suet feeders. It is easy to make your own and mix in other ingredients like seeds, nuts, and dried fruit to provide a more balanced diet for birds. This is a great winter food but in warm weather, suet is likely to melt and go rancid quickly. It’s best to offer it during the colder months or use no-melt suet blends in the summer.
Nectar
Feeding nectar to hummingbirds is a great way to attract these fascinating birds to your yard. It is also really easy to make. The ideal nectar solution for hummingbirds is a simple mix of 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. For example, you could use 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners, or anything else as these can be harmful to hummingbirds, use only white granulated sugar. Combine the sugar and water, stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved, and then pour into a hummingbird feeder. Easy.
Sunflower Seeds
Using sunflower seeds to feed birds can be very effective in attracting birds to your backyard. They are packed with nutrients that birds need, including a high fat content, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They will also attract a good range of birds as many species enjoy them, including finches, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, cardinals, and jays.
But even something as simple as sunflower seeds isn’t actually as simple as all that. There is a choice to be made here too. Hulled sunflower seeds are more readily eaten and leave less mess, but they can be more expensive. Unhulled seeds are cheaper but leave the shells behind. You can also opt for black oil sunflower seeds. These are a popular choice because they have a high oil content and thin shells, making them easy for birds to crack open. Our advice is to try different types and let the birds decide which they like the best!
Fresh Fruit
Many birds eat fruit from trees and will take them from feeders as well. The key here, again, is variety. While all fruit should be fresh and pesticide-free, you can try just about anything from bananas, stone fruits, tree fruits, and berries. Choosing fruits in season will minimize the cost.
Nyjer Seeds
Birds love Nyjer seeds and they are a common staple of bird feeders across the country. They are sometimes confused with thistle seeds. While they are similar and attract some of the same birds, they are actually different seeds, with Nyjer originating in Asia.
Nyjer seeds are packed with oil, which provides birds with a concentrated source of energy. This is especially important during cold weather when birds need extra calories to stay warm, or during migration when they need energy for long flights. These tiny seeds are also a good source of protein. Their small size makes them easy for small birds to eat and digest. This is why they are particularly popular with finches, who have small beaks that are well-suited for cracking open these tiny seeds.
Mealworms
Birds love mealworms because they are packed with protein and fat, which are essential nutrients for birds. They are also a good substitute for the insects they would naturally find in the wild. For both these reasons, breeding adults relish them for feeding to their chicks.
But, they are not a complete food source for birds and because mealworms are so palatable, birds may preferentially eat them over other available food sources, potentially leading to a nutritional imbalance if they are offered in excess. It’s best to offer mealworms in moderation.
From your perspective, mealworms can be more expensive than other types of bird food, especially if you are buying live mealworms. Dried mealworms are a more economical option, but they may not be as attractive to some birds. In addition, live mealworms need to be stored properly to keep them alive and healthy and they can also attract other animals to your yard, such as ants, rodents, or even raccoons.
2. Use different types of feeders
You could go to great lengths to build (or buy) large bird feeders which include different types, sizes, and platforms but is there really any need?
different birds prefer different delivery methods for their different foods but it doesn’t have to be complicated for you. These are the basic types of feeders you can buy, build, or improvise.
Platform
This can be just a simple flat surface to put bird seed on. Edging is preferable to stop food spilling but the lid of an old container will do. All you need is somewhere stable in your garden to put it on (preferably off the ground to avoid small mammals stealing the food). You can even nail it to a post.
Tube Feeders
These are probably the most common types of feeder seen in gardens but you don’t need to buy expensive versions. Use an old plastic soda bottle and put holes in the sides at different heights. Slide rods through the holes (you can use chopsticks, plastic rods, or even twigs) for the birds to sit on and simply hang it from your eaves.
Suet Feeders
This is a great one for getting young children involved in bird watching and nature. Simply mix melted suet (or lard) into a bowl and add other bird seed ingredients. You can use a range of household items like mugs, bowls, or jars as molds. Pour the mix into your chosen mold and include a rope to hang it up with. Once it is set, all you have to do is tie it to a tree or fence.
Hummingbird Feeder
This one may be a little more complex but with just a plastic bottle, some straws, and colorful plastic, you can make your own hummingbird feeder. You will need to fashion something that can hold the bottle upside down from a height and that will depend on the materials you have to hand and where you want to hang your feeder from. Make some straw-sized holes in the hanging end of the bottle and insert the straws. You can even make your own hummingbird food (sugar water), add it to your feeder, and cover it with brightly colored flower shapes.
3. Place your feeders carefully
Some birds are naturally curious and bold, most are shy and cautious. Hang your feeders with concern to the latter. The chickadees, mockingbirds, and cardinals of the world will come to your feeders regardless of their placement.
Safety
Birds are always on the lookout for predators. They are much less likely to come to your garden if they feel unsafe. Domestic cats, open spaces, and noise will discourage birds from coming to your feeders, even if they are full of wonderful foods. Place your feeder close to bushes or overhanging trees so they can dash back into a safe area if they feel unsafe.
Shade
Birds like shade. Being out in the sunshine under open skies puts them at risk from birds of prey and they can overheat. Not only will nearby trees offer safety to them but will also help keep them cool. It will also extend the life of foods like nectar, fruit, and suet.
Water
Providing water for birds is almost as important as giving them food. A bird bath not only gives them something to drink but enables them to keep clean. Almost as important is that you get to watch them – something that never gets boring. By having a bird bath and putting your feeders close to it, you will increase your attractiveness to the local birds.
4. Other key tips for birders
Birds will not return to messy feeders. They must be cleaned every time you put food out. There is increasing concern that fecal matter on and around feeders may contribute to the spread of avian diseases. In addition, if the birds do eat spoiled food, it may make them sick.
Routine and regularity
Birds are creatures of routine. And so should you be. Hummingbirds, for instance, have incredible homing skills. They are known to return to the same feeders on their return from migration for years and years. Once birds have discovered your feeders, if they know their favorite food will be put out at a certain time of day, every day then they will start to visit much more regularly.
Use moving water
Moving water is generally more attractive to birds than still water. This is because the movement of water catches their attention. That also includes the sound of moving water, such as dripping, trickling, or splashing. Also, water that is moving is often perceived as being cleaner and fresher than still water. Providing moving water in your garden mimics these natural habitats, making it more appealing to birds.
Use nest boxes
If you have trees in your garden, consider hanging nesting boxes. If birds use them, they are much more likely to come to your feeders for tasty treats to take back to their chicks. These boxes may also be used in the winter to keep birds warm, with the same effect. Nest boxes are simple and cheap to make.
Create a bird-friendly garden
Local birds will be more likely to discover your garden if it is bird-friendly. Your feeders may just be a bonus. Here are some ideas to think about when creating a haven for feathered friends.
- Native plants are the most attractive to local birds.
- Different birds have different preferences. A mix of trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers will cater to a wider range of species.
- Think vertically. Tall trees offer perching and nesting spots, shrubs provide cover and nesting sites, and groundcovers offer foraging areas.
- Hummingbirds and nectar-loving birds will flock to flowers like trumpet vine, salvia, and bee balm.
- Coneflowers, sunflowers, and grasses provide seeds for finches, sparrows, and other seed-eaters.
- Birds love berries. Plant shrubs like serviceberry, elderberry, and winterberry.
Keep a record
A bird diary is a great way to help create the perfect bird environment. Noting down what birds are visiting and when, what they are eating, and where they like being in the garden will help you develop a better sense of your own little ecosystem. The more you know your garden and the birds that visit, the better you can provide for them year on year.
Final Thoughts
Watching birds in your garden is one the easiest and most fulfilling nature experiences you can have. Building a safe environment for them and watching them thrive is something to be treasured but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming, complicated, or expensive. Our key takeaways for attracting more birds to your feeders are:
- Use a variety of bird feed – sunflower seeds, fruit, suet, Nyjer, and mealworms.
- Use a variety of bird feeders – platform, tube, hummingbird, and suet.
- Place your feeders close to important features – shade, safety, and water.
- Maintain your feeders – clean them every time you fill them.
- Use feeders in conjunction with other garden features – moving water, nest boxes, native plants.
