We have beautiful views out of all of our bedroom windows. I’ve often thought of putting out bird feeders, but hesitated thinking that there would be a big mess of bird droppings to clean up in the area, if they liked it. So, I’ve never done anything.
Outdoor Cats & Other Birds
Birds are more likely to eat where they feel safe from predators (like larger birds and cats). It is recommended to place feeders at least twelve feet away from brush piles, evergreen trees, or bushes. It’s also a smart idea to place chicken wire around ground-level feeders to protect them from these other animals.
Window Collisions
We’ve all seen the Windex commercials where the windows are so clean, the birds fly right into them. But, actually, this does happen. If you don’t want that to happen, you should place feeders within 3 feet from windows (to prevent a long, fast fly in) or more than 30 feet from a window (to help the birds avoid them completely). It may also be smart to alter the appearance of your window ( brightly colored streamers, static-cling decals, etc. about four inches apart).
Clean Bird Feeders
For the easiest maintenance, use plastic, steel, or glass feeders. Clean hanging feeders once every two weeks (or more often when heavily used). Scrub with a stiff brush or a scouring pad, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely before refilling with feed. Be sure to rake up any spilled seeds, hulls, and droppings around the feeders at least once a week. (This is the reason I’ve put off getting bird feeders!) Garden Health has over 30 feeders to choose from.
Safe Food Types
Contrary to popular belief (i.e. my mom and 3-year old daughter), bread does not provide any nutritional value to birds and moldy bread is toxic. Garden Health offers suet pellets, wild bird food mix, and premium wild bird food mix.
For more information about general bird care, food, and feeders, check out Garden Health.
Sources: Birdfeeding.org, Humanesociety.org
Images courtesy Garden Health