Where to place bird feeders

Where to place bird feeders

Knowing where to place bird feeders can make a big difference for wild native birds. Local birds feel safe when your feeders are in a good location, and you will also be more likely to see a broader range of birds trying out your food. And since your feeders will be out of reach from predators such as cats, the birds may decide to make your garden their regular feeding location.

Place bird feeders in a sheltered location

Birds benefit from us providing them with nutritious bird food, as it helps to boost their population and support their communities, and it’s an excellent pastime for us. For this reason, the best place to put a bird feeder is in a safe location where birds can eat in peace and where you can have fun watching them feasting and socialising.

Avoid direct sunlight

Placing your bird feeders in an area of your garden that’s out of direct sunlight is ideal. When feeders are placed away from direct sunlight, the chance of condensation is reduced, which helps the bird food stay fresher for longer. This also means their food will be a healthier food source for longer.

It would be best to keep a close eye on your bird food and feeders to check when the food needs to be topped up or disposed of. We also have some helpful advice on how to keep your bird feeders clean.

Somewhere sheltered from gusts of wind

Strong gusts and blustery winds make life harder for birds. However, birds will already be using more energy when flying in windy conditions, so having to combat wind when gathering food is something we can easily help them avoid.

Placing your feeders, hanging feeders or bird tables in an area of your garden sheltered from the wind makes feeding time more enjoyable for the birds. And doing so also means there will be less food blown around your garden for you to pick up!

Place bird feeders in an area safe from predators

We have already mentioned that you should consider putting your feeders where your visitors can feast in peace. However, keep in mind that birds need an unobstructed, 360-degree view to escape quickly should any cats (or other predators) appear. So, an area of your garden sheltered from direct sunlight and strong wind that is also far enough away from walls, fences, hedges, trees, or anywhere a cat can hide is perfect.

Choosing the right bird feeder

Bird feeders are a convenient way to feed wild birds, and there are a few different options to choose from. For example, some birds prefer hanging feeders, others prefer eating at a feeding table raised up off the ground, and birds like robins prefer to feed at ground level.

We have a helpful guide to help you decide what feeders to choose.

If you are a newcomer to bird feeding, we recommend starting with hanging feeders, a bird feeding table or a bird feeding station if you want to provide a range of treats in the same place.

Offer wild birds more than one bird feeder

No one can deny that birds are cute as they flap around feasting and socialising, but they can often be territorial when food is involved. So, giving them a few different feeding places to choose from will keep everyone happy. Adding one bird feeder to your garden benefits nature, but if you add a few different types, your feathered visitors will appreciate that even more.

A few things to consider when placing bird feeders

Wild birds will feast anywhere if they’re hungry, but we can make feeding time safer for them and more convenient for us if we think about where we place their feeders.

Below, we have listed a few points to take into consideration when thinking of where you should place your bird feeders:

  • Place bird feeders at a height that is safe for birds and offers them good visibility all around, but at a height that is convenient for you to reach so that cleaning and refilling is easier.
  • Remember that cats can jump high when they want or need to, so don’t place hanging feeders too close to the ground.
  • If you have squirrels in your area, these can also be a bit of a nuisance around bird feeders. They can jump onto feeders that are too close to the ground or too close to buildings or fences. However, adding squirrel-resistant bird feeders - like the Squirrel Buster – will stop them from stealing your bird food. Another good way to stop them is to place your feeders away from low-hanging branches and platforms that they might use to their advantage.
  • Another thing to think about is how to make things easier for you when it’s time to refill or clean your feeders. For example, place your feeders in a good location for the birds and somewhere that is not difficult for you to reach. This way, bird feeding will not feel like a chore, and your daily visitors will be safe.

If you would like more information on feeding birds, we have guides on what garden birds eat or how to choose wild bird food, but if you have any other questions, please get in touch with us, and we will be happy to help!