Hanging Your Bird Feeder

Ideally a sheltered southeastern exposure location is best for hanging a bird feeder since birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind. Birds also prefer not to have any obstructions over their feeding area so they can see any predators.

If this is the first time you have a bird feeder in your yard, you may have to wait several weeks for birds to discover it. It may help if you put a shiny pie pan with some seed in it underneath the bird feeder to attract birds flying through your yard. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite among most birds. Water is also a natural attractant.

Hang your bird feeder away from trees, bushes, fences or buildings. Squirrels and other predators may climb or jump onto the bird feeder. If you must hang the bird feeder on a tree, keep it at least six feet from the trunk or the tree limbs.

Add a squirrel baffle over the bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing down the wire used to hang the bird feeder. If you decide to use a free standing pole, it should be 5' high and 10' from the nearest tree.

Hummingbird feeders should be hung out of direct sunlight, since the sun can spoil the nectar.  Hummingbird feeders should be hung away from windy areas and out of reach of cats.

You may also want to place the hummingbird feeder in and around trumpeting flowers. This will help attract more birds to your hummingbird feeder.