The Best Place To Hang A Bird Feeder In Your Yard

Being ditched by some birds can be hurtful, but don't take it personally. We know this can equivocate to hosting a group of friends who happen to always leave prematurely — one wrong joke and they're out before coffee and dessert. But, we assure you, it no longer has to be the case. It's not you.

Birds are precious and sensitive creatures — not only can the slightest noise or movement send them flying off for somebody else to enjoy, but so can the right feeder in the wrong location. That's right. The very location of your feeder could be the problem. If you're a bird-watcher of any kind, you know just how frustrating this is, especially when you have done just about everything to host them and yet they leave in the blink of an eye.

To solve this problem, like in many strange friendships, you just need to understand them a bit better. The most important thing to consider when choosing a spot for your feeder is how does it appear and how useful is that location for them?

To feed the bird, you must think like a bird. This may sound like a funny proverbial play on words and it is, but it is also true. You want to place your bird feeder in a place that fits the bird's natural preferences. Take a Suet feeder for a woodpecker, for example. Where do you think this would be best placed? If you guessed a tree, you're right. The same goes for birds that feed on the ground. You want to be placing the feeder lower to the ground somewhere, near bushes or shrubs.

The next thing a bird brain (try not to laugh) would want to consider is activity and safety. Place your bird feeder somewhere quiet and undisturbed. You wouldn't want to be feasting next to a garage door, would you? Keep your feeder away from as many noisemakers as possible — yes, that includes your neighbors' kids. For safety purposes, just make sure there is a nearby shelter for any scenario where they must retreat. Trees, bushes, and brush piles are all forms of protection for birds when they sense a potential predator may be nearby.

Although, remember you still have to think like a bird and this feeder cannot be hidden somewhere. Visibility is extremely important. Great spots include a spacious area where they can get a good view of the feeder flying by while being able to scout for predators when eating.

That leaves just some final touches before you can rest assured to birdwatch easily while your fluttering friends enjoy the perfect spot in town to eat. For one, don't grow any plants that are toxic to birds. This can often be overlooked and be the reason why birds haven't been coming your way.

Another is chemicals. Things like pesticides can really deter birds from their food. I mean, who likes chemicals in their food? We at least have the FDA, birds on the other hand do not, so please keep chemicals away from their food. In fact, birds are natural predators of the insects you may be using pesticides against. More birds, fewer bugs — sounds like a win-win.

To sum it up, the best place to hang a bird feeder in your yard can be anywhere it hits these marks. Scout out your yard and do a test run, place the feeder in a few different spots that fit the bill and you'll be grateful for being able to think like a bird. Just try not to call those neighbors' kids a bunch of bird brains again — as you see, it can be a compliment. Best of luck to you and those precious birds!