Attracting Birds To A New Feeder

What's the best way to attract birds to a new feeder? There isn't a perfect answer for this question, but it's one we get a lot! There are times when you put up a new bird feeder and birds come to it within minutes. And, other times it can take months for the birds to come. You may notice the birds fly by a feeder and stop in mid-air as if to say "whoa, new feeder alert, turn back!"

Here are some tips to help your birds find a feeder more quickly, or to troubleshoot birds ignoring a feeder in your yard:

• Make sure the feeder is in a location easily seen by the birds. They're very visual!
• Double-check to make sure that the seed has not gotten moldy due to recent rains or humidity.  This can cause them to search for food elsewhere.
• Place seed on the ground under the feeder, or on a tray nearby. This is especially helpful with cylinder- and cake-style foods, which tend to lose less seed to the ground naturally.  It can be helpful to start with seed that your birds are already used to eating, especially if you're offering something new in your new feeder.  Over time, you can slowly switch over to the new seed.
• Try switching the positions of your feeders. Sometimes, putting a new feeder in the place of an old one will help the birds discover the tasty, healthy food inside. Birds will sometimes also avoid feeders in open spaces if predators are nearby.  Experiment with location, allowing time between each switch.
• Tie a red ribbon around the feeder to make it easier for the birds to notice.
• Most importantly, give it time! We like to tell people it can take the birds anywhere from two minutes to two months to feel comfortable around a new feeder.  This is especially important to consider during slower feeding times, such as autumn.  

And of course, if you need any other ideas, you can always reach out to your friendly Bird-Feeding Experts at Wild Birds Unlimited!