How to feed birds without a yard
Living in an apartment or a home without a yard doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joys of birdwatching. With a few thoughtful strategies, you can create a bird-friendly environment right from your balcony, window, or small patio. Here's how to start feeding birds in small spaces and enjoy the delightful presence of feathered friends.
Choose the right bird feeder
Even with limited space, you can still attract and enjoy a variety of birds by choosing the right feeder and setup. Just remember—it may take up to two weeks for birds to find and trust a new feeder, so be patient! Adding a nearby water source and bird-friendly plants can also help them feel at home.
Suction cup bird feeders
Window bird feeders can better your birding experience from the inside out! When you don’t have a yard to work with, go ahead and use your window! With a window feeder, you can view your backyard birds up close. Window bird feeders typically use a suction cup mounting system to allow you to mount them directly to your window. You can attract all types of birds to your window with a hummingbird feeder or a seed feeder – it all depends on what you decide to fill it with!
A window feeder should be mounted on a clean window using the suction cup mounting system. Try to mount the feeder on a window facing away from incoming weather patterns. When possible, place your feeder roughly 10 feet from a natural shelter such as trees or shrubs to offer a resting place for birds between feedings and quick refuge from any predators.
For more information, check out our in-depth blog post on how to use a window bird feeder.
RECOMMENDED SUCTION CUP BIRD FEEDERS:
Hanging bird feeders
If you have a balcony, turning it into a bird-friendly space is easier than you might think. A deck hook is a simple solution that allows you to hang most bird feeders right from your railing. Depending on your setup, you can clamp the hook to the top rail or one of the vertical bars - just be sure it’s securely fastened.
Got soffits above your windows or balcony? A soffit hanger lets you suspend a hanging feeder without any drilling.
Another clever option: place a shepherd’s hook into a large, heavy planter. Just be sure your feeder isn’t too heavy for the base to support safely.
RECOMMENDED BIRD FEEDER HOOKS AND HANGERS:
RECOMMENDED HANGING BIRD FEEDERS:
Mounted bird feeders
Platform and hopper feeders can be mounted directly to your balcony railing for easy bird access and great views. Use proper mounting hardware for a sturdy setup, or opt for heavy-duty bungee cords in a pinch.
To use a bungee cord setup on a flat railing, center a platform or hopper bird feeder on top of the railing and place one hook on the side feeding tray frame. Loop the bungee cord underneath the railing and place the other hook on the other side. Make sure the connection is tight and won’t become unstable with gentle pressure on the feeder.
RECOMMENDED MOUNTING-FRIENDLY BIRD FEEDERS:
Choose the right feed
The types of birds you’ll attract to your feeders depend largely on your geographic location and the surrounding environment. If you live near wooded areas, you’re likely to see a wider variety of songbirds and forest-dwellers. In more urban settings, expect visits from birds that thrive in cityscapes and suburban neighborhoods.
Bird seed
For a small space setup, the type of seed you offer is especially important. To minimize waste and mess, we recommend using no-mess seed blends or single-seed offerings like black-oil sunflower, shelled peanuts, or nyjer seed (thistle). These are favorites for many songbirds and reduce the chance of birds scattering unwanted seeds, which can create debris and attract pests. For a full list of seed and the birds they attract, see our bird seed guide.
Suet
Suet is an excellent choice for colder months or when you want to attract a wider variety of bird species. It provides high-energy nutrition and attracts insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, wrens and more.
Nectar
Hummingbirds don’t mind visiting small spaces. Use a sugar water mixture of 4 parts boiled water to 1 part white granulated sugar (no food coloring) and clean the feeder every few days to prevent mold.
Keep your bird feeding area clean
One challenge of feeding birds without a yard is managing the mess that can accumulate on your balcony - or even on the space below. Keep your feeding area tidy by sweeping regularly and disinfecting feeders to maintain a healthy environment for both birds and neighbors. For a full guide on seed types and tips on keeping your bird feeding area clean, see our blog post on how to reduce mess under your bird feeder.
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