Lessons for Beginning Bird Feeders

Last week I lunched with my good friend Denise who peppered me with questions about feeding birds. Somehow between running a motivational speaking business and a chocolate review blog, she keeps a couple of feeders outside the office window to enjoy the sight of birds (none of which she can really identify!--Sheesh). In trying to field that flurry of questions I thought about my own beginnings, before I went off the deep end and set up a backyard bird family fun park. What would I recommend to the beginner?

I posted a photo from my beginning days. Just two feeders. This is to prove that there was such a time in the remote past. What I have learned, and pass on, is this:

(1) Start with the basic staples. Black Oil Sunflower Seed is a major winner with many, many species. And put up suet to catch the protein-seekers like Bluebirds and Woodpeckers.
(2) Buy seed in bulk at feed stores or garden centers. Shop around to get the best price. If you do buy mixes, consult those who are knowledgeable about what the birds will and won't eat so as not to buy useless filler.
(3) If you are loath to put seed out all year, plan to get feeders up in September or October so that birds have time to rediscover you before the cold weather sets in. And try to stay open until May and June. Birds are actually in the worst position to find natural foods in March and April because little grains are not widely available and the insects haven't really kicked in, and there are young to feed.
(4) Be patient. You can't put out a feeder on Tuesday and see birds by Wednesday. It takes time for birds to find you during patrols and develop confidence you'll be consistently available.
(5) Ask seasoned bird feeders about their experience. Denise had given up on suet because she used a cake flavor the birds rejected. I shared my experience with what worked for me, and it was surprising information!
(6) Buy feeders that are easy to clean and can take a beating. Take the time to really look at a feeder in the shop and see what it takes to clean it. And remember that squirrels are strong and can be destructive. Buy metal, not plastic, or get tubes with metal ports. This is a case where you get what you pay for.
(7) There are no, I repeat NO such things as squirrel proof feeders. Deal with it. All you can do is slow them down. Squirrels are persistent and have time on their hands. They will eventually get in.
(8) Hang sunflower seed feeders over parts of your property where you can handle some damage to grass and flowers. Seed hulls contain chemicals that kill these plants. Ideally, have a ring of mulch around the base of a feeder post or hanging feeder.
(9) and Lastly, keep those feeders clean! Mold and must can develop that can harm or kill birds. A light solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach will be all you need. I do fine with every other week in the warm seasons.