Can We Put Out Bird Feeders Now? (Pro Tips)

The warm weather is here, which means that birds are starting to return. Birds need food when they migrate.

They also need food when they arrive at their nesting grounds and during breeding season which can be pretty much any time between April and August in many states.

So, if you want to help the birds, consider putting out feeders now! Just make sure you do it safely and responsibly. Read on for our tips on getting started with bird feeding this spring!

Bird Feeding Tips: cleaning and locations of feeders – YouTube

Takeaways
Bird feeders can be put out at different times of the year, but it’s important to consider local factors and seasons.
Putting out bird feeders in early spring can help migrating birds find food sources and provide them with energy for their journey.
Providing a variety of feeder types and food options can attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of bird feeders are essential to ensure the health and well-being of the birds.
Taking precautions to prevent unwanted visitors, such as squirrels or raccoons, can help maintain a peaceful feeding environment for the birds.
Monitoring bird behavior and adjusting the feeding setup accordingly can enhance the bird-watching experience.

Table of Contents

Consider The Weather

You can learn a lot about the time of year by looking at the weather.

If it’s too cold, don’t put out your bird feeders. You’ll just have to bring them back in again because they won’t be able to get enough food or water from them.

If there are no leaves on trees and temperatures are above freezing, then it is probably safe to put out your bird feeders if you want to do so.

Adjusting the spring tension on a bird feeder is crucial for controlling the feeding mechanism. Our detailed guide on how to adjust the spring on a bird feeder provides step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure optimal functionality and bird feeding experience.

Consider Your Neighborhood

Consider your neighborhood. If you live in a suburban area, the bird population may be less than in an urban area. That’s because birds are more likely to visit yards that have trees and shrubs for cover and food sources. You can improve your chances of attracting them by planting trees or shrubs, or simply by adding some colorful flowers to your yard.

Think about what types of birds visit your area. Some species will only come during certain seasons (migratory birds), while others are year-round residents (like cardinals).

If there are specific kinds of birds that you want to attract, make sure they’re going to stick around first before putting out feeders!

Factors to Consider
Local demographics
Crime rates
Proximity to schools
Access to amenities
Transportation options
Noise levels
Environmental factors
Community activities
Property values

Be Aware Of Food Supply In The Wild

And if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a hard time letting go of things that bring joy and comfort. Like the feel of your favorite pajamas as you crawl into bed at night? Or the smell of freshly baked cookies coming out of the oven?

Well, what about all those birds who are just trying to make it through their days without starving or freezing to death?

You know how they say “a watched pot never boils”? Well that’s because while we’re standing there staring at it waiting for it to boil, all kinds of good stuff could be happening elsewhere in our lives.

The same goes for putting out bird feeders: if you want them to help attract wild birds and enhance your experience with nature this winter—and let’s face it: who doesn’t?!—then don’t wait until December or January when cold weather has already set in.

Put them up now! Birds need food throughout the year; they won’t be able to find enough food once winter hits unless we help them out by providing additional sources of nutrition outside their regular diet (like seeds).

Are crows causing trouble around your bird feeders? Discover effective strategies in our comprehensive article on keeping crows away from bird feeders and learn how to deter these intelligent birds while still attracting the desired avian visitors.

Look At Local Bird Species

Look at local bird species. The first thing to consider is whether there are any bird feeders at your home or office. If not, the next step is to decide if you want to put out one or more feeders this winter and what kind of feeder(s) will be best for your location.

First, it’s important to note that feeding birds in winter can be tricky because most birds migrate south for the cold months (and some even relocate their nests). But if you’re interested in attracting birds during this time of year for aesthetic reasons, here are some tips:

Consider putting out food that won’t spoil quickly so it doesn’t attract rodents or insects as much as seeds would;

Be sure your chosen area has good drainage;

Make sure all food is clean before putting it into boxes and containers—it should never come into contact with any other animal droppings or foods that may have been contaminated with rodent urine/feces!

Looking to attract specific bird species to your backyard? Consider making a niger seed bird feeder. Our easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make a niger seed bird feeder provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring you create an enticing feeding station for finches and other seed-loving birds.

Consider Your Time Frame

If you are new to birding, it can be a good idea to spend some time researching the different types of birds that migrate through your area.

This will help you understand where they travel and when, as well as what kind of food they need along their journey.

This is important if you want to attract specific types of birds who have specific needs. For example, if you live in an area known for its migrating warblers (small songbirds), then it would make sense to plant native plants in your garden or yard which will provide them with seeds and berries during migration season.

The same goes for other types of birds that require certain foods like Africa’s wildebeests (large herbivores) or North America’s Canada geese (large waterfowl).

Factors to Consider
Short-term goals
Long-term goals
Project timelines
Deadline dependencies
Seasonal considerations
Time constraints
Availability of resources
Scheduling conflicts
Historical data analysis

Consider Other Animals

Bird feeders can be a great way to bring wildlife into your yard, but they may also attract uninvited guests.

Raccoons and squirrels are especially common offenders; crows, foxes, and even bears may also be attracted by the smell of seed in your feeder.

To keep other animals away from your bird feeder:

Use a motion-activated feeder that will only open when birds land on it or fly close by—these usually come with adjustable sensitivity settings so you can prevent anything larger than a sparrow from getting any food at all.

Some people find these helpful because they don’t have to clean up after messy birds like finches or chickadees that have been hanging out on their feeders all day long!

Understand Your Instinct To Feed Birds

Before you begin feeding birds, it’s important to understand why you might feel the urge. Birds are wild animals. They aren’t pets and they don’t belong in our homes.

Feeding birds is a privilege that we should exercise with caution and respect for the birds’ natural environment. We can never know what effect our food will have on them or on other animals in their environment—or even on our own health!

Think About Your Budget For Bird Feeders And Seed

The first thing to consider when deciding what kind of feeder to buy is your budget. As with most things, the more money you have to spend, the better quality you can buy.

If you don’t have much room in your budget for bird feeders and seed, be sure that any feeder or seed you choose will last as long as possible without needing replacement or repair.

If a more expensive feeder means less expensive seeds and vice versa, consider buying less expensive food items as well so that your budget doesn’t suffer too much!

Filling Flexports bird feeders can be a breeze with the right technique. Gain valuable insights from an experienced bird owner in our article on how to fill Flexports bird feeders, where you’ll find practical tips and tricks to simplify the feeding process and keep your feathered friends happy.

Choose The Right Type Of Feeder For You And Your Yard

You’ll want to consider the type of bird you want to attract, the size of your yard and what kind of seed you’re feeding them.

There are feeders that hold peanuts, suet or sunflower seeds. If you’re just starting out, it may be best to begin with a simple hanging tray feeder like this one from Wild Birds Unlimited or this one from Amazon. Once you have an idea what types of birds visit your yard, then expand as needed!

You may also choose a more elaborate design such as this hopper style feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited:

Feeder Type	Description
Platform Feeder	Flat surface feeder that attracts a wide variety of bird species. Ideal for offering various types of bird feed, such as seeds, fruits, and suet.
Hopper Feeder	Container-style feeder with a roof that protects the feed from rain and snow. Typically holds a larger volume of seed and attracts medium-sized birds like finches and chickadees.
Tube Feeder	Cylinder-shaped feeder with multiple feeding ports and perches. Suitable for dispensing small seeds like sunflower seeds and attracting finches, sparrows, and other small birds.
Suet Feeder	Designed to hold blocks or cakes of suet, a high-energy food made from animal fat. Appeals to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eating birds.
Hummingbird Feeder	Specifically designed with small feeding ports and nectar reservoirs to attract hummingbirds. Requires a nectar solution made from sugar and water.
Nyjer/Thistle Feeder	Specifically designed for dispensing tiny nyjer (thistle) seeds. Attracts finches, such as goldfinches and siskins. Features small feeding ports and perches.
Oriole Feeder	Typically has larger, orange-colored feeding ports to attract orioles. Offers nectar, fruit, and jelly to entice these vibrant birds.
Squirrel-Proof Feeder	Equipped with mechanisms to deter squirrels and larger birds, such as weight-activated perches or cages. Ensures that feed is accessible only to smaller bird species.

Plan And Maintain A Year-Round Feeding Strategy

A year-round feeding strategy is a great idea if you want to attract birds. However, don’t make the mistake of only putting food out in the winter. Birds need food all year round to keep their energy up and for breeding, migration and survival.

Maximize bird-watching opportunities by hanging a window bird feeder strategically. Explore our detailed guide on how to hang a window bird feeder for expert tips and considerations that will help you bring nature closer to your home while creating a comfortable feeding spot for birds.

Conclusion

Remember, feeding birds is a fun way for you to connect with nature and an important way for birds to get the food they need. But there are some things to consider before you begin including bird feeders in your yard.

You should consider what types of birds live near your home, or at least which ones visit during the winter months when they need extra food.

ou might also want to look into what kinds of feeders will best suit your needs–there are many different types available that can help attract different species!

Finally, don’t forget about maintenance: make sure clean any seed from old feeders so they’re ready for next year’s visitors!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about bird feeders:

Are bird feeders safe for birds during disease outbreaks?

Yes, bird feeders can be safe for birds during disease outbreaks if proper hygiene practices are followed. It’s important to regularly clean and disinfect your feeders, provide fresh food, and monitor for any signs of illness in birds.

What type of bird food should I use in my feeder?

Different bird species have different dietary preferences. A diverse mix of seeds, suet, nuts, and nectar can attract a wide range of birds. Research the specific preferences of the birds in your area to determine the most suitable food options.

How often should I clean my bird feeders?

Cleaning bird feeders regularly is essential to prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants. Ideally, clean your feeders at least once every two weeks or more frequently if you notice any signs of dirt or debris.

Can bird feeders attract pests like squirrels or raccoons?

Bird feeders can attract various wildlife, including squirrels and raccoons. To deter unwanted visitors, consider using squirrel-proof feeders, placing feeders away from trees or structures, or using baffles and other deterrents.

What are some effective ways to discourage aggressive birds from dominating the feeder?

To discourage aggressive behavior and promote fair feeding opportunities, you can use multiple feeders spaced apart, provide a variety of food options, and strategically place baffles or dividers to create separate feeding zones for different bird species.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.