It is true to say that you can position bird feeders almost anywhere in your garden and some bird will visit it if it’s hungry enough. But did you know that by positioning your bird feeders in certain prime spaces you will attract many varied species?
Your feeders could be known as a veritable truck stop amongst all of the local birds and the lucky passers-by!
Birds will feed anywhere that they feel safe and secure. Their feeders need to be out in the open so that they can be easily spotted, but close enough to a hiding space that they can retreat to should a cat suddenly appear. Somewhere that doesn’t get too much direct sun or the worst of the winds is also ideal.
The best way to attract bird to your feeders is by replicating their natural feeding preferences. For instance, woodpeckers like suet, so place suet feeders in trees, near to the trunk or thicker branches. Small agile birds such as blue tits, greenfinches, and house sparrows cope well with hanging feeders that move in the breeze. Hung from a feeding station or branch and loaded with crushed peanuts will attract these smaller species. Just remember to give them a place of safety to flee to.
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The Best Places to Put Bird Feeders
- Not only do the birds need to be able to spot the feeders, but you also need to be able to watch them. Place the feeders within a good viewing distance from a window, preferably one in a quiet room at a great enough distance to not disturb the birds.
- The birds like peace and quiet so try to find a space that doesn’t get much human traffic.
- A tall pole offers them protection from predators, it also stops the squirrels pinching food meany for birds. Put it in an open area so that they can easily spot anything coming.
- Somewhere that the feeders will be easily spotted, consider varying the food, and hanging them at lots of different heights.
- They like a good vantage point for 2 reasons. Firstly so they have a clear view of and approaching trouble, and secondly to use as somewhere to queue, and wait their turn.
- Offering the birds shelter will encourage more visitors. Spots, where they can be shielded from the worst of the afternoon sun and wind, gets blocked.
- Cats often hide in bushes and shrubs, waiting for an opportune moment to ambush the birds. If you have no other spot to put the feeders consider placing bramble clippings around the base of the bush to deter the cats.
- Place a feeder near a water source. Birds need to drink and bathe often. If they stop for a drink they may also use your feeders.
I have a feeding station in the shade cast by my garage, there is a nearby fence where the waiting birds queue, and it’s about 10ft from a large tree where my birds retreat to if they get spooked.
Where is best to place blackbird feeders?
Certain birds such as blackbirds, chaffinches, and some thrushes are ground feeders.
Dedicated ground feeders are available and will attract the birds as long as they are placed far enough away from bushes and shrubs where cats can hide.
Remember to take ground feeders in overnight, otherwise, they might attract mice or rats.
Where to position bird feeders when you don’t have a garden
If you live in a block of flats or a maisonette it is still possible to feed the birds. If you have a balcony a shiny tray of seed will catch their eye as they are in flight. Just stay indoors and remain quiet if you spot any visitors.
Window feeders are available and come with suction pads to securely fasten them to the glass. Fill them with plenty of treats and you will get a bird’s eye view (every pun intended) of your feathered friends.
See our article on the best bird feeders here. We include window feeders in our reviews.
Final thoughts…
If you follow these guidelines you just may attract many more species to eat safely in your garden.
Sometimes, the best place to position bird feeders and tables is anywhere safe.
I have multiple styles of feeders filled with most bird treats known to man; I hang them on branches, tables, and stations.
I have a sealed tub of mealworms near to my garden seat, and when my blackbirds or robin visits, I throw them a few onto the lawn.
