Birds can add to the beauty of any outdoor space. It is quite easy to attract birds to the backyard with the help of the right feeder. Hanging bird feeders isn’t a great science, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Hanging a bird feeders can be a simple and enjoyable task. If you want to learn tips and tricks to hang a bird feeder and what are the things you should keep in mind, then read the article to the end.
How to Hang a Bird Feeder?
Bird feeders are very easy to hang; they always come with a loop or hook that helps attach the feeder to something. Although the process is easy, there are a few other things to look for. This is how you can hang bird feeders.
Deck Hangers
Deck hangers can be used to attract birds and also provide space for birds to sit. However, a hanging bird feeder will need some hanging space, and these deck hangers are a perfect solution for hanging these feeders.
You can also add a bird feeder hook or bird feeder pole to give a close-up view of backyard birds. There are generally three screw brackets, railing clamp, and baluster to choose from. Always choose the one that offers the best place for a bird feeder.
Tree Branch Hooks
One of the great ways to hang your bird feeder in a prime location is with the help of tree hooks. Most of the feeders available on the market are designed in such a way that they can be easily hung from trees or tree branches.
If you want to hang the bird feeder easily and properly, you should use an S-shaped hook. Those hooks that are strongly curved can withstand bird landing on the feeder and strong winds.
Yard Feeder Poles
Sometimes the ideal spot where you want to hang your bird feeder has nothing to hang. When Mother Nature can’t help with the trees, and there are no structures nearby, create a bird feeder or bird feeder station using a yard feeder pole. If you are also facing how to hang a feeder without a tree, you need to install a bird feeder pole.
Hanging Brackets
There are also different hanging brackets available that can help you install the bird feeder anywhere. If you can secure a bracket anywhere in your building, house, or any wall, you can easily hang the bird feeder. These hanging brackets are useful for birds such as Orioles and Hummingbirds.
Window Feeders
If you want to see your favorite birds up close, you can use a window-mounted bird feeder. These window-hanging bird feeders not only provide a close view of the birds but also provide plenty of room for them to feed.
Feeders closely connected to a window or just three feet apart provide an excellent view and minimize window crash through the feeder placement. You can hang these feeders using a suction mount or a bracket to secure the feeder directly to the glass.
Where to Hang a Bird Feeder?
While looking for a place to hang a bird feeder, you need to keep two things in mind: first, it is where you can see it, and second, where it is safe. Here are some ideas that can help you hang bird feeders:
Shaded Area
Nectar, seeds, suet, and other types of food are prone to damage and spoilage but can be protected by placing the feeder in a shady area. If the food is protected from sunlight, it will not spoil and will give your bird maximum nutrition.
Non-Windy Location
Choose a place where there is less wind pressure, it will not only provide shelter for the birds, but it will prevent the seeds from spilling in the wind. You can place freestanding bird feeders in windless areas, but hooks and perches need to be removed during storms and lightning. If you live in an area prone to such weather, try placing the feeder in a sheltered spot; not only is it safe for birds, but it will also be safe for you to fill and care for it.
Near Trees or Cover
All types of birds that visit your backyard should feel safe when visiting feeders. When you place the feeder near bushes, trees, and other secure areas, it will offer the bird a haven from predators, and they can also easily wait their turn at a busy feeder. If you hang the feeder near trees, bushes, and shrubs, it can be used for both nesting and shelter.
The 5-7-9 Rule
Squirrels are a big problem when it comes to setting up a bird feeder. Similarly, rodents are also a danger to these feeders, so appropriate measures are taken to provide feeder security. While the general rule of thumb that can protect the feeder from squirrels is that you should place the feeder 5 feet off the ground and 7 feet in front of a building or tree because squirrels can’t jump any higher than that, similarly they cannot drop more than 9 feet from above to the feeders. Therefore, always place the feeder in a location that follows these rules.
Create a Distance From the Windows
Birds colliding with windows are a serious problem, killing hundreds of birds each year. Therefore, the bird lover usually places the feeder at a safe distance from the window to avoid collisions. The best position is to place the feeder less than three feet or more than 10 feet from the window.
Feeders that are close to windows minimize the risk of collision by slowing down birds, and those that are far from windows provide space for birds to land safely and avoid collisions.
Tip for Hanging Bird Feeders
Here are some tips for hanging bird feeder:
Refill Often
There are technicalities when placing your bird feeder, but you should always put it in a location where you can easily refill it. In case they are placed in an area where you have to take some extra steps, such as using a ladder or a stool, you will soon neglect it. Keeping the feeder full will attract more birds to the feeder. Also, regularly filling the feeder will also help you monitor the condition of the feeder.
Clear View
Always place the bird feeder in a clear view area so that you can enjoy your job of placing the feeder. A feeder that is placed in a sunny location will not only attract normal birds but will also attract passing birds. In addition, it also helps the birds stay away from predators.
Shelter
The weather is a regular threat to your bird feeder, so position the feeder according to the climate in your area. If your area is prone to heavy rain, high winds, snowfall, or any other adverse weather conditions, place the feeder in a sheltered location.
A feeder in the protected area will allow the bird to feed safely and protect it from bad weather. Also, if the feeder is easily accessible in all climates, you are more likely to take good care of it and refill it regularly.
Conclusion
Hanging a bird feeder is easy and, at the same time, a technical thing, and if you follow the rules and turn the feeders according to the likeness and safety of the birds, more and more birds will attract to your backyard.
You can set goals to bird-watch after you have placed your hanging bird feeder in your backyard and record your results.
