An Expert Specifies 6 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Bird Feeder

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just beginning to feed your garden, there are many reasons why birds should be kept in good condition Birds , selecting a bird feeder is just the start of your journey. To attract birds, it’s important to consider the location and type of seed you’ll plant in your yard

According to Jen McCarthey Tyrrell, a spokesperson for Audubon South Carolina Southern Living That there are some usual blunders in feeding birds, especially with bird feeders

McCarthey Tyrrell identifies six errors that people make when setting up and using bird feeders

Not Getting Quality Seed

The good quality of bird seed from a reputable source ensures that birds won’t have any issues with discarding it, as it avoids the production of germ that is harmful to them.  

“Shelled seed varieties are more costly but provide a better return on investment, as shells are not worth the cost. Seeds that are shelled will not germinate beneath the feeder. Her assertion is that birds like doves, sparrows and blackbirds are capable of devouring any leftover seed, much like Roombas

Not Being Consistent 

To avoid being completely reliant on one location when food is scarce, birds have adapted to foraging from various sources.  

According to McCarthey Tyrrell, it is crucial to fill your birds ‘feeders in the winter when you live in a cold and snowy location. In cold climates, birds rely on insufficient food sources. If guilt and responsibility are a concern, it may be more beneficial to continue feeding the birds during the warmer months.”

Doing It For The Wrong Reasons

McCarthey Tyrrell says that it is important to remember that bird feeding is more for our enjoyment as humans than it is for the bird’s benefit

“Feeding birds brings them close to you to observe and can help supplement their natural diets” she says. “If you choose to participate in bird feeding, you must do it responsibly so you’re not negatively affecting the birds that you’re attracting.”

Prioritizing Looks Over Function

McCarthey Tyrrell identifies a common error in prioritizing the appearance of avian feeders over their functionality.  

She suggests that purchasing a bird feeder made of durable material that can be easily cleaned and designed to prevent the birds from getting sick from moldy seeds. “Numerous decorative bird feeders are not easily disassembled to tidy up difficult areas.”. Feeders made from recycled plastic and quick-clean feeders are easy to clean, disassemble and reassemble, and feature surfaces that do not absorb moisture and bacteria. If a diseased bird shows up at your feeder, it’s simple to disinfect these types of feeders. ”

Not Cleaning Feeders Regularly

Bird feeders need to be cleaned, because moldy and mildewy seeds and feeders can make birds sick. Keeping your feeders–and bird baths–cleaned regularly will ensure you’re not spreading illness and disease amongst your local bird populations

“A bird feeder is also like a highway rest stop, lots of individuals are coming and going, touching the same surfaces. Bird feeders and baths can be a place where germs and diseases are easily exchanged among individuals” McCarthey Tyrrell says

Don’t Give Up When Squirrels Get Involved

McCarthey Tyrrell says there are ways to manage squirrels when bird feeding, but it needs to be done correctly. Spoiler alert: avoid the Pam-greased poles, slinkys, and other homemade obstacles. When feeding the birds and attempting to not feed the squirrels, Tyrrell says you have three options, and most of them are based on the area in which you are feeding them

For open yards

If you have an open yard, McCarthey Tyrrell says to get a sturdy pole system–not the garden center shepherd’s hook–and install a sturdy squirrel or raccoon baffle, with the top being at least four feet above the ground.  

“When placing this pole system, it needs to be ten feet from any roof, tree branch, or fence that they can jump horizontally from” she explains. “It may take a little guess work on the perfect placement, but this is an achievable feat.”

For yards with trees

If you have a yard with more trees, it might be worth considering hanging netting from weight sensitive squirrels

McCarthey Tyrrell points out that weight triggered feeders should only be used within two feet of a tree’s base, as they may resort to using their small arms to pull the weight mechanism instead. “In order to access the feeder, either they must jump from the side or climb down from above, and the weighted mechanism will be activated to prevent squirrels from touching it.”. ”

For those concerned about deterring larger birds, McCarthey Tyrrell says not to worry.  

” While some birds can look hefty, I assure you they are much lighter than they appear, and if a few get on the feeder and it shuts, they figure out to take turns “she says

For all other yards

The last method of squirrel abatement is to use food that is too hot for them, or food that they don’t prefer, such as safflower, a seed variety that many birds eat, but squirrels tend not to prefer.  

” Using safflower seed may not be as effective forever as squirrels can acquire a taste for it “McCarthey Tyrrell explains.  

Another option is using hot pepper laced seeds, which is perfectly safe for birds, and it can be a very effective deterrent.  

” Sometimes you get that one squirrel who must have Cajun roots, and it decides the heat doesn’t bother it “she cautions.” You also need to be careful when filling your feeders with the hot pepper seeds, use gloves or remember to wash your hands and don’t rub your eyes, that’s a painful mistake. ”