In the spring and summer, it’s easy to attract birds to your backyard. But once fall rolls around, the birds have other plans.
They’re busy preparing for winter by storing food and building nests. By using these 10 must-have bird feeders and accessories during this time of year, however, you can help bring them back!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Importance of bird-friendly gardens |
| Tips for attracting birds to your yard |
| Types of bird feeders |
| Best foods for attracting different bird species |
| Advice for keeping feeders clean and maintained |
| Expert tips for feeding backyard birds |
A Bird Feeder with a Moat
To keep squirrels at bay, try building a moat around your bird feeder. A moat is a circular or rectangular pool of water that surrounds the feeder and keeps squirrels from reaching it.
They’re easy to make out of recycled materials like plastic bottles and metal tins. You can also buy ready-made moats at hardware stores or pet supply shops if you don’t have time to handcraft one yourself.
The best moats are filled with water, oil or sand the latter two are especially effective against pesky critters like mice and rats as well as squirrels!
To attract more feathered friends, it’s important to create a bird-friendly garden. Our guide on how to create a bird-friendly garden will give you the tips and tricks you need to create a beautiful and welcoming space for birds of all kinds.
Squirrel-Proof Feeder
If squirrels are a problem for you, you’ll want to make sure that your feeders are squirrel-proof. There are several different types of feeders that will keep them out.
Some just need a couple of pieces, while others require more work and money to set up.
Let’s look at some things you can do to keep these critters away:
Place the feeder in a place where it will be hard for them to reach (such as on top of your house).
Use a squirrel-proof cage around your existing bird feeder. This is usually pretty easy; just remember that if they can hang on it, they can climb over it! If they can climb over or jump through the netting, then use one with smaller holes instead!
You might need some extra material around the bottom since birds will try eating from below before getting inside this kind of structure too often when there’s rain or snow coming down as well as other weather conditions like windy days.
Squirrel-Proof Feeder Options
| Feeder Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight-activated | These feeders are designed to close their feeding ports when a squirrel or other critter lands on the perch, thanks to a weight-activated mechanism. |
| Caged | Caged feeders feature metal mesh surrounding the feeding area, preventing squirrels from accessing the food inside. |
| Baffle-equipped | Some feeders come equipped with baffles, which are cone-shaped devices that can be placed above or below a feeder to block squirrels from climbing up to it. |
| Dome-shaped | Dome-shaped feeders can also be effective at deterring squirrels, as they make it difficult for the critters to access the feeding ports. |
| Tube feeders with tight-fitting caps | Squirrels can’t cling to smooth surfaces, so tube-style feeders with tight-fitting caps can be a good option for keeping squirrels out. |
A Bird Table
If you’re looking for a way to attract more feathered friends in your backyard, consider making your own bird table!
A bird table is a platform with multiple feeding stations that hangs from a tree branch. The birds can land and feed on the platforms, but because they’re hanging, they aren’t exposed to predators or inclement weather.
Here are some steps you can take to make your own:
Get a wooden board measuring about 1 foot by 3 feet (30 cm by 90 cm). Cut slits into one end of the board and fix it between two tree branches with rope or wire so that it hangs down at least 20 feet (6 m) from the ground.
Attach two hooks through which you’ll hang your food containers and other accessories later.
You can attract birds by hanging different foods at each level of the table: top level = sunflower seeds; middle level = suet cakes; bottom level = mealworms or peanut butter mixed into seed mix. You’ll also want to keep some kind of water nearby—birds need water too!
Bird feeding requires more than just a bird feeder! Check out our ultimate guide to bird feeding to learn about the different types of bird feeders, the best foods to offer, and how to create a welcoming feeding environment.
A Wild Bird Seed Mix
A wild bird seed mix is a great way to attract birds that have different food requirements. The types of seeds in the mix will vary, depending on what type of birds you are trying to attract.
For example, if you want goldfinches and cardinals, you might select a mixture with sunflower hearts, black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds.
If your goal is to encourage different species of birds at once, then we recommend our 12-pound Wild Bird Seed Mix which includes 16 different types of seed including red millet, cracked corn and white proso millet; red millet; striped sunflower kernels; peanuts in shell; safflower seed; white proso millet (white); cracked corn (white); thistle seed (golden); black oil sunflower kernels (wildlife formula)
Suet Logs
Suet logs are a great way to attract birds to your yard. Suet is made from animal fat and is high in calories, which is why birds love it so much! The following feeder comes with pre-cut holes for suet logs for easy installation.
It’s also important to note that if you have cats or small dogs running around your yard, nothing will be safe from their hungry mouths if they’re not kept away first.
If you want to attract more birds to your garden, it’s important to make it inviting and attractive. Our guide on 10 clever ways to make your garden more inviting and attractive to birds offers simple and effective ideas to create a space your feathered friends will love.
Bug Balls
Bug Balls are a great way to feed bugs to birds. They’re also known as “bug bobs” or “bird balls.” You can make them at home, or purchase ready-made ones from a variety of vendors online.
Bug Balls are an excellent way to attract more birds to your yard, especially if you live in an area where insects are scarce during certain seasons of the year.
A simple Google search will turn up dozens of different recipes for Bug Bites that you can use at home, but they all require some sort of molding apparatus like an empty soda bottle and some plastic wrap (or aluminum foil if you don’t have any).
Once your Bug Bite is ready, just hang it somewhere where birds will see it and start feeding!
Benefits of Using Bug Balls in Your Garden
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural pest control | Bug balls attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that help control pests like aphids, mites, and thrips. |
| Pollination | Several types of beneficial insects are also pollinators, helping to increase yields and improve the health of your garden. |
| Sustainable | Using bug balls is a natural and sustainable way to control pests in your garden, reducing the need for harmful chemical pesticides. |
| Long-lasting | Many bug balls are designed to last for several months, providing lasting pest control and pollination benefits throughout the growing season. |
| Easy to use | Just hang or place bug balls in your garden and let them do the work! They require no maintenance or special attention. |
A Birdbath
A birdbath is a great way to attract several species of birds to your yard. They like it because they can drink, bathe and even splash around in it.
You should know that not all birds will use a birdbath however, so make sure you have at least one thing on your shopping list that will be appealing to many different types of feathered friends.
Birdbaths need to be kept clean and filled with fresh water regularly (at least twice per week). They also need to be in a sunny spot so that the water stays warm enough for birds to bathe comfortably.
If you live in an area where there are very cold winters then make sure yours is covered during this time period or bring it indoors for storage until spring arrives again!
It’s recommended that you replace your birdbath every 2 years due to bacteria growth from droppings brought by dirty water from multiple visits each day throughout those years!
Birds are a joy to watch, but they can be elusive! For tips on how to attract more birds to your garden, check out our guide on 13 surprising tips for attracting more birds to your garden, which includes advice on garden design, plants, and more.
Ornaments for your Garden with Feeders Attached
It’s important to hang your bird feeders at least 10-15 feet away from the ground. This makes it more difficult for other animals to access, and is an added safety precaution.
Think of it this way: if you have a dog or cat in your home, would you want them eating out of the same dish as birds? Probably not!
Ornaments with feeders attached are also great ways to attract birds to your garden. You can find these either by searching online or at local craft stores like Michael’s Arts & Crafts (the one near me sells them).
Garden Ornaments with Feeders Attached
| Ornament Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Hanging planters | Some hanging planters incorporate small bird feeders into their design, providing both beauty and function in your garden. |
| Garden sculptures | Garden sculptures such as metal birds or flowers may have a bird feeder component built in, adding a unique and artistic touch to your garden. |
| Wind chimes | Wind chimes designed with bird feeders can provide music and nourishment for feathered visitors. |
| Birdbath feeders | Birdbaths that also function as bird feeders are a versatile way to welcome feathered friends to your garden while also providing a source of water. |
| Garden stakes | Some garden stakes feature bird feeders near the top, adding a pop of color and whimsy to your flower beds or garden borders. |
Hanging Basket Feeder
The hanging basket feeder is a great option for small birds. It can be hung from a tree or window and filled with birdseed, suet or mealworms. You can also make this feeder out of recycled materials! Here’s what you need:
- A plastic tub that has drainage holes in the bottom (like one you would use to store leftovers)
- A pair of scissors and/or a knife (optional)
- Some string with which to hang it
Anyone can enjoy the beauty of a bird-friendly garden. Our guide on 15 surprising benefits of having a bird-friendly garden celebrates the many advantages of creating a welcoming habitat for birds, from reducing pests to improving mental well-being.
Feeding Station Kit
This feeding station kit is a great way to attract more feathered friends to your yard. It has everything you need to get started, and it’s easy to set up and use. The design is well-designed, and it’s durable enough that it can handle frequent use.
Conclusion
This list is a great place to start if you want to attract birds to your garden. There are so many interesting and beautiful species around us, but it can be difficult to know how best to attract them and keep them happy with all of their needs.
We hope this guide has given you some ideas on what type of feeder will work best for each species, as well as other considerations such as size or location that might have been overlooked in other articles.
Happy bird watching!
Further Reading
Here are a few additional resources on bird feeding and attracting birds to your garden:
Top 10 Tips to Attract Birds to Your Feeders: This article provides practical advice on how to attract birds to your yard, including tips for choosing the right feeders and foods.
The 10 Best Bird Feeders of 2021: Interested in upgrading your bird feeding setup? Check out this guide to the best bird feeders on the market, complete with pros and cons for each product.
11 Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds: This article from Audubon offers expert advice on bird feeding, including insights into feeding schedules, food types, and how to keep your feeders clean.
FAQs
How often should I fill my bird feeder?
The frequency with which you fill your bird feeder will depend on the number of birds you’re feeding and the size of your feeder. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check your feeder at least once a day and refill it when it gets low.
What kinds of bird feed are best for attracting particular species?
Different bird species have different dietary preferences. For example, finches are known to love thistle seed, while sparrows and doves tend to prefer millet. Do some research on the species you’re hoping to attract to determine the best types of food to offer.
Should I offer water in addition to food?
Yes! Providing access to water is important for birds, especially during hot, dry weather. Consider adding a shallow water feature or birdbath to your garden to give birds a place to drink and bathe.
How can I keep squirrels and other pests away from my bird feeders?
There are a variety of squirrel-proof feeders and accessories on the market that can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay. You can also consider adding baffles or cages to your feeding setup, or positioning feeders in hard-to-reach areas.
What should I do if I notice sick or injured birds visiting my feeders?
If you suspect that birds visiting your feeders are sick or injured, it’s important to take action. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian for advice on what to do next. In the meantime, consider temporarily removing your feeders to prevent the potential spread of disease.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a birdwatcher and birder. I have a personal interest in bird behavior and classifications and have been following the latest research on the topic for years.