Optimizing Bird Attraction at BirdsAndBackyards.com

Optimizing Bird Attraction

Everyone wants lots of birds around their birdfeeders. In order to attract the most birds, you should first consider what type of feed you are going to use. You will want to choose the correct feed for the bird(s) you want to attract! Some find it helpful to create their own mix of seeds in order to attract the desired birds and discourage the others. The most common seeds used are black oil, sunflower seed, suet, thistle seed, peanuts, corn, millet and even fruit. These constitute the basic diet for birds.

When selecting a place to hang your birdfeeder, try to find an area where birds will feel secure visiting. Wild birds are very shy, but with a feeder in the right location, will become frequent guests. When observing birds, you will find they usually prefer the cover of trees, so you may want to avoid open spaces. Also, remember that birds will leave droppings and scatter seed about. The droppings are good fertilizer, and the seeds are sterile.

Like all animals, birds need water. They use water not only for drinking, but also for bathing. Birds truly enjoy being able to bath in a clean, fresh and nice “pool”. So, adding a birdbath to your backyard will attract even more birds.

Birds rely on birdfeeders most in fall and winter, when temperatures start to fall, and natural wild food disappears. Therefore, do not feel discouraged if you attract fewer birds during the summer months, because the birds will naturally tend to go to the abundant natural sources. This is especially true with hummingbirds, though their seasonal migration is different: in fall, when temperatures start to drop off, the hummingbirds will migrate south, even if there is plenty of food available via birdfeeders.