The simple act of filling a bird feeder offers an enjoyable connection to the natural world. Successful bird feeding involves more than just pouring seed into a container; it requires careful consideration of preferred seeds, efficient filling techniques, and a commitment to hygiene. Focusing on these elements transforms your backyard into a bustling, safe haven for various species.
Selecting the Right Seed
The type of seed you choose determines which birds visit your feeder. Black Oil Sunflower (BOS) seed is the best single option because its high fat and oil content provides substantial energy, and its thin shell is easily opened by nearly all seed-eating birds. This seed attracts a broad range of species, including Cardinals, Chickadees, and Nuthatches.
For smaller birds like Goldfinches and Pine Siskins, Nyjer seed—often mistakenly called thistle—is the preferred choice. This tiny, high-oil seed requires a dedicated feeder with small ports to prevent spillage and is generally unattractive to larger birds and squirrels. Avoid inexpensive mixed seeds containing filler ingredients, such as red millet and oats, which most backyard birds ignore. Rejected seeds end up on the ground where they can spoil or attract rodents, resulting in a messy feeding station.
Step-by-Step Feeder Filling Techniques
Filling feeders efficiently reduces mess and ensures the seed remains dry and accessible. For narrow-mouthed tube feeders, use a scoop with a long spout or a dedicated funnel to direct the seed into the opening. Fill the tube slowly, stopping just below the top to allow a small air gap; this prevents the seed from jamming when the lid is replaced.
Hopper feeders, which have a hinged roof and a larger reservoir, are easier to pour into directly from a bag or scoop. When filling, gently tilt the hopper to ensure the seed settles evenly and flows into the lower tray area. Tray or platform feeders are the simplest, requiring only that you spread a thin layer of seed evenly across the surface. Always perform the filling process over a bucket, tray, or newspaper to catch stray seed.
Placement and Maintenance Essentials
Strategic feeder placement is important for bird safety and reducing spoilage. To prevent deadly window collisions, position feeders either very close to a window (less than three feet away) or far away (more than 30 feet away). Placing a feeder within three feet prevents a startled bird from building up momentum for a fatal impact.
For protection from predators, place the feeder approximately 10 to 15 feet away from dense shrubs or trees that offer hiding spots. Regular cleaning is necessary for preventing the spread of diseases like Salmonellosis and Avian Pox, which are transmitted through contaminated food and droppings. Seed feeders should be emptied and scrubbed every two weeks, or weekly during warm or wet weather. The most effective method involves soaking the feeder for 10 minutes in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water, followed by thorough rinsing and complete air-drying before refilling.