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FAQ in this category 'The Instant Expert's Guide to Bird Feeding' |
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I'm new to bird feeding - what do I need to know?
1) The range of birds that visit your garden can be influenced by the way that you provide food. For instance shy species such as Cardinal and Blackbird will be more comfortable on the ground near to cover, while more agile species like Chickadee and Goldfinch are happy with hanging feeders.
2) Most birds will eat peanuts or seeds, but research shows that seeds are much more popular and attract a greater variety of species.
3) You get what you pay for with wild bird food. Cheap mixes that contain ingredients such as lentils or split peas will never attract the same variety of species as mixes with quality ingredients such as sunflower hearts, and often the cheap ingredients are simply ignored
4) Think like a bird! Site feeding areas close to cover to protect against hawk attack, but beware of low cover that may shelter a cat intent on ambush
5) Keep feeders and feeding areas clean. See our hygiene tips
6) Birds are naturally cautious creatures. It may take some time for them to feel comfortable with a new feeder, particularly if you are feeding for the first time. A useful tip is to site new feeders in or close to cover until the birds get used to them, when they can then gradually be moved into a position that gives you a good view from the house.
7) We believe that all birds deserve to be fed, but we provide a range of products that will help you to feed selectively if you choose. Don?t forget that Starlings and Blue Jays need food and nest sites too!
8) The birds may rely on you, so be reliable ? don?t let the feeders run empty
9) Provide a constant supply of clean, fresh water, particularly when it?s icy
10) Store your food in cool dry conditions and don?t keep for more than three months
11) We advocate feeding all year round, but avoid having whole peanuts available other than in wire mesh containers during the breeding season. If you don?t use peanuts regularly at least consider offering live foods during the breeding season and fat products during the winter
12) Never use red net bags or fat balls encased in netting ? Starlings and some other species such as woodpeckers can get their tongues entangled in this material
13) Where practical provide a range of nesting sites. Use nestboxes for "hole" nesting species and try to garden in a way that helps species that nest in trees and shrubs
14) Site nestboxes so that they are protected from the elements (usually facing south-east, through east, to north), and clean them twice a year, in October and late February.
15) Garden with nature. Include plants that encourage insects, provide nest sites or berries. Try to include some native species as these tend to have more insects associated with them
16) If you are new to garden feeding and occasionally see squirrels in your garden, it is advisable to assume that they will be destructive and therefore choose metal feeders. We have had reports of plastic feeders being destroyed within minutes!
17) Make your garden visitors count by joining Cornell Project Feederwatch , Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and EBird and other similar projects Back to top
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