How to Attract Rare Birds to a Bird Feeder

Attract rare birds to your backyard bird feeder by giving them what they want: food, water and shelter. You don't need to live in the country to attract and watch birds--many interesting and unusual birds inhabit urban and suburban areas. Provide a variety of feeders, a wide choice of food and a safe place to perch, and you'll fill your yard, patio or balcony with bird song.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird feeders Bird seed Bird bath or water feature (optional) Plants and shrubs

1. Hang a variety of feeders. A sunflower seed feeder is the best choice if you have a limited budget or small space. This type of feeder attracts the widest variety of birds. Attract bluebirds and hummingbirds with species-specific feeders designed for their particular eating habits. A nyjer or thistle seed feeder will attract goldfinches, and a suet feeder--rendered fat that can contain seed, insects or fruit--will attract several different woodpecker species.

2. Position feeders a safe distance from dense shrubbery. Cats may hide in shrubs and stalk your feeder birds. A 10-foot clearing around the base of the feeder will keep the birds safe. Dense shrubbery located outside of the 10-foot perimeter, however, gives feeder birds a welcome hiding place to enjoy their seeds.

3. Avoid deadly window strikes. Position your feeders less than 3 feet, or more than 25 feet from windows. Shorter distances will prevent serious injury if they do collide, while greater distances will reduce the likelihood of a collision. If bird strikes continue, consider placing netting or an anti-glare coating on the windows.

4. Provide variety. Different seed mixes, fruits, nuts and dried insects appeal to different species. If your property is large, site feeders at different locations. Orioles like the edge of deep woods, while bluebirds prefer an open field. Experiment for best results.

5. Buy a bird book and keep notes. Patience is required when bird watching. Migratory patterns, seasonal changes and unusual weather affect what birds you may see at your feeder. Rare bird sightings happen unexpectedly--keep your binoculars handy at all times.

Tips & Warnings

• Most fruiting shrubs attract birds.
• Keep feeders clean at all times. Take them down regularly and remove any uneaten, moldy seed. Scrub, dry and rehang the feeder.

References

• Audobon Society: Backyard Bird Basics
• Birdwatcher's Digest: Avoid Window Strikes