How to Place Bird Feeders

Feeding birds from bird feeders is an activity that millions of Americans enjoy. It allows people to help birds get through the tough times of winter and offers a chance to observe an assortment of bird species up close. You need to take your time, however, and carefully consider the best places for your bird feeders. Take into account such factors as providing cover for the birds and how close they will be to a potential lethal collision with windows.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place feeders within 3 feet of large picture windows or sliding-glass doors, if you cannot situate them away from your home. Half of all birds that crash into windows and glass doors while leaving a feeding station die from their injuries, according to the All About Birds website. A bird is going top speed after flying 6 feet. Placing the feeder close to the window makes it less likely the bird will attain a speed that could kill it if it hits your window.

    • 2

      Affix feeders right to the picture window's glass or to the window's frame. Purchase feeders designed for windows. This virtually assures that no birds will die from a trip to your feeder due to a collision with the glass.

    • 3

      Place your feeders in a quiet area of your yard that you can easily access to refill them. This is best for homes that lack large windows or glass doors. Put the feeders where you can see them easily.

    • 4

      Position bird feeders about 10 feet from evergreen trees and shrubs to give birds cover from elements and predators such as cats and hawks. Evergreen trees and shrubs offer the best refuge from wind and for a feeding bird that needs to make a quick escape from an opportunistic foe. Many birds--such as titmice and chickadees--also like to grab a seed and then eat it in a tree.