Here’s How to Attract Wildlife with A Bird Feeder

Types of Bird Feeders

Bird feeders or feeding stations come in a variety of designs, from the strictly practical to the truly whimsical. Some feeders contain loose seed while others hold solid suet cakes or liquid nectar. Different feeders match different feeding styles (from sitting upright to perching sideways to sipping mid-flight!). Here are the most common types.

Bird Feeder Installation Considerations

Bird feeders can be installed three different ways: hanging, post-mounted or window-mounted. Location-wise, the best spots to prevent window-strike injuries as birds lift off after feeding, are within 3 feet of a window (minimal risk of damage from impact), or over 30 feet away (plenty of room to avoid the house).

Hanging

Many birds prefer tree-hanging birdfeeders, as the natural setting provides shelter and security. The ideal spot is one where birds won’t be disturbed by foot traffic, but which provides easy access for removal, refilling and cleaning.

Pole-Mounted

This installation is a great option if your yard lacks mature trees for a hanging feeder. Pole-mounted feeders are easy for birds to spot. Keep in mind they will feel more secure if you can install yours within 10 feet of some tall shrubs or trees.

Window-Mounted

These bird feeders use suction cups to affix to windows, so you can easily birdwatch from indoors.

Choosing Birdseed for Your Bird Feeder

Food choices vary for different birds. If you have space, two or three different feeder-food combinations will attract more birds. Here are several surefire avian picks.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

As high-energy seed favoured by many wild birds, black sunflower seeds are a popular all-purpose food. They are also available pre-shelled for birders who wish to minimize backyard messes.

Nyjer

This tiny seed is a favourite of small songbirds, like goldfinches, purple finches and pine siskins. Some consider it a bonus that this seed doesn’t appeal to squirrels, chipmunks and many larger birds.

Nectar

Available as a ready-to-serve liquid or easy-blend concentrate, 100% sucrose nectar is formulated to nourish nectar-sippers, like hummingbirds and orioles.

Peanuts

Available as peanut halves, or whole nuts in their natural shells, these tasty, high-protein nuts will attract jays, cardinals, doves and other large birds, as well as chipmunks and squirrels.

Suet Cakes

Pre-shaped suet-and-birdseed cakes, blocks, pucks, logs and balls are designed to fit suet cages or platform feeders. Suet is meant for the colder months of the year. (Avoid summer use as suet spoils at warm temperatures.)

Birdseed Blends

Premium blends combine a variety of seeds, nuts, dried fruit and other ingredients to appeal to specific bird groups, like songbirds and finches, or nut lovers, like jays and woodpeckers.