How to feed birds

 

A reader asked:
I live in Indiana and I would like to feed the birds this spring. Do you have a suggest on how to setup a bird feeding station?

Spring is an exciting time for bird watchers in the Midwestern United States. As the weather warms up, a variety of bird species migrate back to the region, making it the perfect season to set up a bird feeder and attract feathered visitors to your backyard. In this article, we'll go over some tips and tricks for setting up a bird feeder that will attract a wide variety of birds in the spring.

  • Choose the Right Location

The first step in setting up a bird feeder is choosing the right location. You want to choose an area that is visible to you, so you can enjoy watching the birds as they come and go. At the same time, you don't want the feeder to be too close to any windows or doors, as birds can accidentally fly into them and hurt themselves.

You should also consider the safety of the birds. Avoid placing the feeder near any trees or bushes that could provide cover for predators like cats or hawks. Instead, choose an open area that is easily visible from all angles.

  • Select the Right Type of Bird Feeder

Once you have chosen the right location, it's time to select the right type of bird feeder. There are many different types of bird feeders available, including platform feeders, tube feeders, and suet feeders.

Platform feeders are ideal for ground-feeding birds like sparrows and doves. These feeders are simply a flat surface where you can place seeds or other bird feed.

Tube feeders are great for attracting small birds like finches and chickadees. These feeders have multiple feeding ports and are designed to hold small seeds like nyjer or thistle.

Suet feeders are ideal for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other birds that eat insects. These feeders are designed to hold blocks of suet, which are high in fat and provide birds with the energy they need to survive.

  • Choose the Right Type of Bird Seed

Choosing the right type of bird seed is also important if you want to attract a wide variety of birds to your feeder. Different types of birds prefer different types of seed, so it's a good idea to provide a mix of seeds to attract as many species as possible.

Black oil sunflower seeds are a great all-purpose seed that will attract many different types of birds, including finches, chickadees, and cardinals. Nyjer or thistle seed is a favorite of finches and other small birds. Safflower seed is a good choice if you want to attract cardinals, while millet is a good option for sparrows and other ground-feeding birds.

  • Keep the Feeder Clean

One of the most important things you can do to keep your feeder attracting birds is to keep it clean. Birds are attracted to clean, fresh seed, while dirty feeders can harbor bacteria and disease that can be harmful to birds.

At least once a week, empty the feeder and wash it with soap and hot water. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before refilling it with seed.

  • Consider Adding a Water Source

In addition to providing food, you may also want to consider adding a water source to your backyard. Birds need water for drinking and bathing, and providing a source of fresh water can help attract even more feathered visitors.

A simple bird bath is all you need to provide birds with the water they need. Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

  • Be Patient

Finally, it's important to be patient when setting up a bird feeder. It may take some time for birds to discover your feeder, especially if you are new to the area.

This article offers tips and tricks for setting up a bird feeder to attract birds in the spring in the Midwestern United States. Choosing the right location for the feeder is essential, as well as selecting the right type of feeder and bird seed. Keeping the feeder clean and providing a water source is also important. Patience is necessary, as it may take time for birds to discover the feeder. By following these guidelines, bird watchers can enjoy the variety of feathered visitors that will come to their backyard.

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