To maximize the number of species that visit your yard, keep a variety of feeders filled, offer multiple seed types, and feed year-round.
Nature’s Way Bird Products offers many styles of bird feeders (Cedar, Bamboo, Twist&Clean, and Nectar) for various types of seeds and feed, and many of our feeders offer spacing that will attract larger birds to your backyard. Always offer quality seed in your feeders to increase the number and variety of birds with less wasted seed. Store extra seed in a clean, dry container and always check for mold before placing in the feeder. Also consider gardening and landscaping, including water features or birdbaths, to duplicate natural habitats as a way to entice birds to visit your yard throughout the seasons.
What type of seed/feed?
While birds sometimes surprise us with their seed/food choices, the seed listed below typically attract these birds:
- Mixed seeds: Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Titmice, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Finches, Jays, Juncos
- Sunflower: Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Titmice, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Juncos
- Thistle (Nyger): Finches, Siskins
- Suet Cake: Woodpeckers, Jays, Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches
- Nectar: Hummingbirds, Orioles
- Grape Jelly/Orange halves: Orioles
- Mealworms: Bluebirds, Wrens, Chickadees
- Peanuts: Jays, Woodpeckers
- Chopped apples/dried fruit: Woodpeckers, Mockingbirds, Catbirds, Robins
Where should I place my Nature’s Way feeder?
The best way to determine where most birds prefer to have their dinner in your yard is by experimenting. Here are a few things to consider:
- Placing your feeder (Cedar) near natural cover (such as trees, shrubs, and other vegetation) provides nearby shelter for birds to view their feeding area so they can see any predators while waiting for their turn to feed. Many birds like to bring the seed to a safe area to eat it. But be careful not to put your feeder too close as it can provide cats with ambush spots and jump-off points to catch birds, as well as squirrels easier access to the feeders! It is best to keep the feeder about 10-12 feet from any tree or obstacle.
- Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help you attract more birds to your yard. The bright colors and seeds of flowers attract many birds, such as finches and hummingbirds (Nectar).
- Consider placing your birdfeeder (Bamboo) in quiet, yet convenient, areas sheltered from wind, rain and snow so the birds in your yard can feel safe and comfortable while they eat, and you won’t mind filling it in bad weather! The south side of the house is generally the warmest, but areas buffered by trees and shrubs also offer good placement areas.
- You will want to place the feeder (Twist&Clean) so you can observe the birds through a window or from your outdoor living spaces, but you will want to consider the “mess” factor! When feeding birds there will be feathers, seed shells, and droppings.
When initially putting up a new feeder, be patient! Birds are creatures of habit and may not take to a new feeder right away. But once they find it, you will enjoy many hours of bird watching!