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Hungry Birds: How to Feed and Attract Them to Your Backyard

If you love watching and listening to the colorful and melodious birds in your backyard, you might want to consider feeding them. Feeding birds is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that can bring you closer to nature and provide many benefits for both you and the birds. However, feeding birds also comes with some challenges and responsibilities that you need to be aware of. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of bird feeding, including what to feed them, how to choose the right type of feeder, how to maintain and clean your feeder, and how to support bird conservation.

Why feed birds in your backyard?

Benefits of bird feeding

Feeding birds in your backyard can have many positive effects for both you and the birds. Here are some of the benefits of bird feeding:

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• It can attract a variety of bird species to your yard, increasing your chances of seeing rare or unusual birds.

• It can provide supplemental food for birds during harsh weather conditions or when natural food sources are scarce.

• It can help birds conserve energy and survive predators by reducing their need to search for food elsewhere.

• It can enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of nature by allowing you to observe bird behavior and learn about their habits and personalities.

• It can improve your mental and physical health by reducing stress, boosting mood, stimulating curiosity, and providing opportunities for exercise and social interaction.

Challenges of bird feeding

Feeding birds in your backyard can also pose some challenges and risks for both you and the birds. Here are some of the challenges of bird feeding:

• It can attract unwanted visitors such as squirrels, rats, raccoons, cats, hawks, or bears that can steal or contaminate the food, damage the feeder, or harm the birds.

• It can create unhealthy conditions for birds if the feeder is not cleaned regularly or if the food is spoiled or moldy.

• It can spread diseases or parasites among birds if they congregate in large numbers or come into contact with infected food or feces.

• It can alter the natural behavior or distribution of birds if they become dependent on human-provided food or if they migrate less or breed more.

• It can conflict with local laws or regulations that prohibit or restrict feeding certain types of birds or using certain types of feeders.

To overcome these challenges, you need to follow some best practices and guidelines for bird feeding, which we will discuss in the following sections.

What do birds eat and prefer?

Seed preferences by bird species

The most common and convenient food for backyard birds is seeds. Seeds are high in energy and easy to store and offer. However, not all seeds are equally attractive or nutritious for all birds. Different bird species have different preferences and adaptations for eating seeds. For example, some birds have strong bills that can crack open hard shells, while others have slender bills that can extract tiny seeds from flowers. Some birds prefer oily seeds that provide more calories, while others prefer starchy seeds that provide more carbohydrates.

To attract the most variety of birds to your backyard, you should offer a mix of seeds that can appeal to different tastes and needs. Here are some of the most popular seeds and the birds that prefer them:

Seed

Birds

Black-oil sunflower

Cardinals, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, jays, nuthatches, sparrows, titmice, woodpeckers

Striped sunflower

Cardinals, grosbeaks, jays, woodpeckers

Safflower

Cardinals, chickadees, doves, grosbeaks, sparrows

Nyjer (thistle)

Finches, redpolls, siskins

Millet

Doves, juncos, sparrows, towhees

Corn

Ducks, geese, jays, pheasants, quail, turkeys

Peanuts

Bluebirds, chickadees, jays, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers

Mixed seeds

Varies depending on the ingredients and proportions of the mix

Note that some seeds may also attract unwanted visitors such as squirrels or starlings. To deter them, you can use specialized feeders that have baffles or weight-sensitive perches that prevent access to the seeds. You can also use seeds that have been treated with hot pepper or capsaicin, which birds can tolerate but mammals cannot.

Alternative foods for birds

Seeds are not the only food that you can offer to backyard birds. Some birds may prefer other types of food that can provide more protein, fat, vitamins, or minerals. Here are some of the alternative foods that you can offer to birds:

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• Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, cherries, grapes, melons, oranges, pears. These can attract fruit-eating birds such as bluebirds, orioles, robins, tanagers, and waxwings.

• Nectar: Sugar water or commercial nectar mix. These can attract nectar-feeding birds such as hummingbirds and orioles.

• Mealworms: Live or dried mealworms. These can attract insect-eating birds such as bluebirds, chickadees, robins, wrens, and woodpeckers.

• Suet: Beef fat or commercial suet cakes. These can attract fat-loving birds such as chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers.

• Bread: Stale bread or breadcrumbs. These can attract seed-eating birds such as sparrows and finches.

• Cheese: Grated cheese or cheese scraps. These can attract cheese-loving birds such as jays and wrens.

• Eggs: Boiled eggs or eggshells. These can attract protein-seeking birds such as robins and thrushes.

• Pet food: Dry or moist cat or dog food. These can attract omnivorous birds such as crows and jays.

Foods to avoid for birds

While most foods that are safe for humans are also safe for birds, there are some foods that you should never offer to backyard birds. These foods can be toxic, harmful, or unhealthy for birds. Here are some of the foods that you should avoid for birds:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or death in birds.

• Avocado: Avocado contains persin, which can cause respiratory distress, heart failure, or death in birds.

• Onion and garlic: Onion and garlic contain thiosulphate, which can cause anemia or death in birds.

• Salt: Salt can cause dehydration, kidney damage, or death in birds.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can cause intoxication, liver damage, or death in birds.

• Caffeine: Caffeine can cause hyperactivity, cardiac arrhythmia, or death in birds.

• Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure, or death in birds.

• Moldy or spoiled food: Moldy or spoiled food can contain bacteria, fungi, or toxins that can cause infections, poisoning, or death in birds.

To ensure the safety and health of your backyard birds, you should always check the ingredients and expiration dates of the foods that you offer to them. You should also remove any uneaten food from the feeder before it spoils or attracts pests.

How to choose the right type of bird feeder?

The type of bird feeder that you use can affect the number and variety of birds that visit your backyard. Different bird feeders have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of food, the size and shape of the feeder, the location and height of the feeder, and the protection and accessibility of the feeder. Here are some of the most common types of bird feeders and their features:

Platform bird feeders

Platform bird feeders are simple and versatile feeders that consist of a flat surface with a raised edge that can hold any type of food. They can be placed on the ground, on a pole, or hung from a tree. Platform bird feeders can attract a wide range of bird species, especially ground-feeding birds such as doves, juncos, sparrows, and towhees. However, they can also attract unwanted visitors such as squirrels, cats, or hawks. They can also expose the food to rain, snow, or wind, which can cause it to spoil or scatter. To prevent these problems, you should use a platform feeder with a roof or a mesh bottom that allows water to drain. You should also place it in a safe and visible location that is away from predators and sources of disturbance.

Hummingbird feeders

Hummingbird feeders are specialized feeders that dispense nectar for hummingbirds. They usually have a reservoir that holds the nectar and a base with several feeding ports that have small openings for the hummingbirds to insert their bills. Hummingbird feeders can attract hummingbirds as well as other nectar-feeding birds such as orioles or woodpeckers. However, they can also attract insects such as bees or ants that can contaminate or deplete the nectar. They can also ferment or spoil if they are not cleaned regularly or if they are exposed to high temperatures or sunlight. To prevent these problems, you should use a hummingbird feeder with an ant moat or a bee guard that prevents access to the nectar. You should also change the nectar every few days and clean the feeder with hot water and vinegar.

Tube feeders

Tube feeders are cylindrical feeders that have several feeding ports along their sides that dispense seeds for small birds. They usually have a cap on top that prevents water from entering and a tray on bottom that catches spilled seeds. Tube feeders can attract small seed-eating birds such as chickadees, finches, nuthatches, sparrows, and titmice. However, they can also attract squirrels or large birds that can damage or empty the feeder. They can also clog or jam if the seeds are wet or sticky. To prevent these problems, you should use a tube feeder with a metal or plastic casing that resists chewing and a squirrel baffle or a weight-sensitive perch that prevents access to the seeds. You should also use dry and clean seeds and shake the feeder occasionally to loosen any stuck seeds.

Hopper feeders

Hopper feeders are box-shaped feeders that have a large reservoir that holds seeds and a small opening that dispenses seeds for medium-sized birds. They usually have a roof that protects the seeds from moisture and a tray that catches spilled seeds. Hopper feeders can attract medium-sized seed-eating birds such as cardinals, grosbeaks, jays, and woodpeckers. However, they can also attract squirrels or large birds that can damage or empty the feeder. They can also harbor mold or bacteria if the seeds are not consumed quickly or if the feeder is not cleaned regularly. To prevent these problems, you should use a hopper feeder with a metal or plastic casing that resists chewing and a squirrel baffle or a weight-sensitive perch that prevents access to the seeds. You should also use fresh and dry seeds and clean the feeder with hot water and vinegar every few weeks.

Suet feeders

Suet feeders are mesh or wire cages that hold suet or fat for fat-loving birds. They can be hung from a tree or attached to a pole or a wall. Suet feeders can attract fat-loving birds such as chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, woodpeckers, and wrens. However, they can also attract squirrels or large birds that can damage or empty the feeder. They can also melt or spoil if they are exposed to high temperatures or sunlight. To prevent these problems, you should use a suet feeder with a metal or plastic casing that resists chewing and a squirrel baffle or a weight-sensitive perch that prevents access to the suet. You should also use fresh and refrigerated suet and replace it every few days.

Window feeders

Window feeders are small feeders that attach to a window with suction cups or hooks. They can hold seeds, nectar, fruit, or mealworms for small birds. Window feeders can attract small birds such as chickadees, finches, hummingbirds, sparrows, and titmice. They can also provide a close-up view of the birds and their behavior. However, they can also attract unwanted visitors such as squirrels, cats, or hawks that can scare or harm the birds. They can also cause window collisions if the birds do not see the glass or if they are startled by reflections or movements inside the house. To prevent these problems, you should use a window feeder with a one-way mirror or a screen that blocks the view from inside the house. You should also place decals or stickers on the window to make it more visible to the birds.

Oriole feeders

Oriole feeders are specialized feeders that dispense nectar, fruit, jelly, or mealworms for orioles. They usually have a reservoir that holds the nectar and a base with several feeding ports that have large openings for the orioles to insert their bills. They may also have spikes or cups that hold the fruit, jelly, or mealworms. Oriole feeders can attract oranges as well as other nectar-feeding or fruit-eating birds such as hummingbirds, tanagers, and woodpeckers. However, they can also attract insects such as bees or ants that can contaminate or deplete the nectar, fruit, jelly, or mealworms. They can also ferment or spoil if they are not cleaned regularly or if they are exposed to high temperatures or sunlight. To prevent these problems, you should use an oriole feeder with an ant moat or a bee guard that prevents access to the nectar, fruit, jelly, or mealworms. You should also change the nectar, fruit, jelly, or mealworms every few days and clean the feeder with hot water and vinegar.

How to maintain and clean your bird feeder?

Tips for keeping your feeder hygienic and pest-free

Maintaining and cleaning your bird feeder is essential for the health and safety of your backyard birds. A dirty or poorly maintained feeder can cause many problems such as spoiling the food, attracting pests, spreading diseases, or damaging the feeder. Here are some tips for keeping your feeder hygienic and pest-free:

• Choose a feeder that is easy to fill, empty, and clean.

• Use fresh and dry food that is suitable for the feeder and the birds.

• Store the food in a cool, dry, and airtight container that is away from rodents and insects.

• Fill the feeder with only enough food that can be consumed in a few days.

• Remove any uneaten or spilled food from the feeder and the ground every day.

• Clean the feeder with hot water and vinegar every few weeks or more often if needed.

• Disinfect the feeder with a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) every few months or if there is an outbreak of disease.

• Rinse and dry the feeder thoroughly before refilling it.

• Place the feeder in a safe and visible location that is away from predators and sources of disturbance.

• Use baffles, guards, perches, or moats to deter squirrels, rodents, insects, or other unwanted visitors.

Tips for preventing diseases and parasites in birds

Feeding birds in your backyard can also expose them to diseases and parasites that can affect their health and survival. Some of the common diseases and parasites that can affect backyard birds are salmonella, avian pox, trichomoniasis, conjunctivitis, aspergillosis, mites, lice, and fleas. These can be transmitted through direct contact with infected food, feces, feathers, or birds. Here are some tips for preventing diseases and parasites in birds:

• Monitor your backyard birds for any signs of illness or injury such as lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, ruffled feathers, swollen eyes, sores, lesions, or bleeding.

• If you notice any sick or dead birds in your backyard, stop feeding them immediately and contact your local wildlife agency or veterinarian for advice.

• Clean and disinfect your feeder and the surrounding area as soon as possible.

• Dispose of any infected food or carcasses in a sealed plastic bag in the trash.

• Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling any bird-related items.

• Avoid touching or handling any wild birds unless necessary.

How to support bird conservation?

The importance of bird conservation

Birds are not only beautiful and fascinating creatures that enrich our lives with their presence and songs. They are also vital members of the ecosystem that provide many ecological services such as pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, controlling pests, scavenging waste, and cycling nutrients. They are also indicators of the health and diversity of the environment that can alert us to any changes or threats. However, birds are also facing many challenges and dangers that threaten their survival and well-being. Some of the major threats facing birds and their habitats are habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation, and human-wildlife conflict. These threats can reduce the population size, genetic diversity, and range of birds, as well as their ability to adapt and cope with environmental changes. Therefore, it is important to support bird conservation efforts that aim to protect and restore birds and their habitats.

The threats facing birds and their habitats

Here are some of the main threats facing birds and their habitats and how they affect them:

• Habitat loss and fragmentation: Habitat loss and fragmentation occur when natural habitats are destroyed or degraded by human activities such as agriculture, logging, mining, urbanization, or infrastructure development. This can reduce the amount and quality of food, water, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, as well as their ability to move and migrate. It can also increase the exposure and vulnerability of birds to predators, competitors, diseases, or parasites.

• Climate change: Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the global climate patterns due to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide. This can alter the temperature, precipitation, wind, and sea level of the environment, affecting the timing and availability of food resources, the suitability and distribution of habitats, and the occurrence and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, storms, or heat waves for birds. It can also disrupt the synchronization and coordination of bird behavior such as migration, breeding, or molting.

• Invasive species: Invasive species are non-native species that are introduced or spread into new areas by human activities such as trade, transport, or tourism. They can compete with native birds for food, space, or mates, or prey on them directly or indirectly. They can also introduce new diseases or parasites that can infect or harm native birds.

• Pollution: Pollution refers to the contamination of the environment by human-generated substances such as chemicals, plastics, metals, or noise. This can affect the quality and quantity of food, water, air, and soil for birds, as well as their health and behavior. It can also cause poisoning, injury, or death in birds.

• Overexploitation: Overexploitation refers to the excessive use or consumption of natural resources by human activities such as hunting, fishing, or trading. This can reduce the population size and genetic diversity of birds, as well as their ability to reproduce and recover. It can also cause stress, injury, or death in birds.

• Human-wildlife conflict: Human-wildlife conflict refers to the negative interactions between humans and wildlife that result in damage, injury, or loss for either or both parties. This can occur when birds damage crops, livestock, property, or infrastructure, or when humans harm or kill birds for food, sport, or protection. It can also occur when birds collide with vehicles, windows, power lines, or wind turbines, or when humans disturb or destroy bird nests or eggs.

The actions you can take to help birds

As a backyard bird feeder, you can play an important role in supporting bird conservation efforts. By feeding birds responsibly and ethically, you can help them survive and thrive in a changing and challenging world. Here are some of the actions you can take to help birds:

• Follow the best practices and guidelines for bird feeding that we discussed earlier.

• Provide a variety of food, water, shelter, and nesting sites for birds in your backyard.

• Plant native and bird-friendly plants that can provide natural food and habitat for birds.

• Reduce your use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals that can harm birds or their food sources.

• Recycle or dispose of your waste properly and avoid using plastic or other materials that can entangle or injure birds.

• Reduce your carbon footprint and energy consumption by using renewable or efficient sources of energy and transportation.

• Support local and global organizations that work to protect and restore birds and their habitats.

• Educate yourself and others about the importance and value of birds and their conservation.

By taking these actions, you can make a difference for the birds that visit your backyard and for the birds that share our planet.

Conclusion

Feeding birds in your backyard is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty and diversity of birds. However, it also comes with some responsibilities and challenges that you need to be aware of. In this article, we have covered the basics of bird feeding, including what to feed them, how to choose the right type of feeder, how to maintain and clean your feeder, and how to support bird conservation. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about bird feeding and inspired you to feed birds responsibly and ethically. Happy bird feeding!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about bird feeding:

What is the best time of day to feed birds?

The best time of day to feed birds depends on the season and the weather. In general, birds are most active and hungry in the early morning and late afternoon, especially during the winter when the days are short and cold. However, you can also feed birds throughout the day as long as you do not overfeed them or disrupt their natural behavior.

How often should I feed birds?

The frequency of feeding birds depends on the type of food, the type of feeder, the number and variety of birds, and the season and the weather. In general, you should feed birds as often as they can consume the food in a few days, without leaving any leftovers or waste. However, you can also adjust the frequency of feeding according to the availability and demand of natural food sources, the presence and activity of predators or pests, and the occurrence and severity of extreme weather events.

How can I attract more birds to my backyard?

The best way to attract more birds to your backyard is to provide them with a variety of food, water, shelter, and nesting sites that suit their needs and preferences. You can also use some tips and tricks to make your backyard more appealing and inviting for birds, such as:

• Choose a feeder that matches the size, shape, and behavior of the birds that you want to attract.

• Place the feeder in a safe and visible location that is away from predators and sources of disturbance.

• Use a mix of seeds that can attract different types of birds.

• Offer alternative foods such as fruits, nectar, mealworms, or suet that can attract different types of birds.

• Add a birdbath or a fountain that can provide fresh and clean water for birds to drink and bathe.

• Plant native and bird-friendly plants that can provide natural food and habitat for birds.

• Add birdhouses or nest boxes that can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

• Add bird feeders or bird baths that can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

How can I identify the birds that visit my backyard?

The easiest way to identify the birds that visit your backyard is to use a field guide or an app that can help you recognize the features and characteristics of different bird species. You can also use some clues and cues to narrow down your search, such as:

• The size, shape, color, pattern, and markings of the bird.

• The type, sound, and frequency of the bird's call or song.

• The behavior, posture, and movement of the bird.

• The type of food, feeder, or habitat that the bird prefers.

• The time of day, season, or year that the bird visits.

How can I take good photos of the birds in my backyard?

Taking good photos of the birds in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding way to document and share your bird feeding experience. However, it can also be challenging and frustrating due to the speed, distance, and shyness of the birds. Here are some tips for taking good photos of the birds in your backyard:

• Use a camera that has a fast shutter speed, a high zoom level, and a good image quality.

• Use a tripod or a stable surface to hold your camera steady and avoid blurry shots.

• Use a remote control or a timer to trigger your camera without disturbing the birds.

• Use natural light or a flash to illuminate your subject and avoid shadows or glare.

• Use a plain or neutral background to highlight your subject and avoid distractions.

• Use a bird feeder or a bird bath to attract your subject and keep it still for a longer time.

• Be patient and observant and wait for the right moment to capture your shot.

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