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McLendons.com, as a division of McLendon Hardware, Inc., recognizes that some do-it-yourself projects are more complex and difficult than others and may require greater knowledge and more experience than the reader of this material possesses.

With this is in mind, all information presented is intended to serve as a first step to assist with a project. We do not and will not take any responsibility for the particular results of the above referenced project, nor will we assume any liability for personal injury or damage that may result from the information presented.

We strongly suggest that professional help be consulted if the above project is beyond the comfort or experience level of the reader. As with any project, please also make sure all local building codes are followed and permits are obtained.

After deciding that you want to attract more birds to your yard, the next consideration is one of placement. Keep a few principles in mind and you will have a feeder that both you and the birds can enjoy.

Safety & Scenery

Placing a bird feeder is about striking the best balance between your desire to watch the birds and the safety of the birds while they eat. Birds are especially vulnerable to predators while they are eating or drinking and, therefore, a degree of responsibility falls to you to keep them safe if you are putting out a feeder.

It is important to give the feeding birds sufficient cover that they feel insulated, while still leaving enough open space around the feeder that, should a predator approach, the birds have an opportunity to react. Try to avoid placing the feeder close to the ground or too near bushes or other obstructions which could conceal a cat. Also, keep in mind that hawks, owls and other predatory birds may be a threat to the birds at your feeder. If you are able to provide a space where the feeder is under cover, leaving the feeding birds hidden from their predators, all the better.

Remember, too, that local birds may become accustomed to your feeder as a food source, leading them to use it throughout the winter. Try to place the feeder somewhere that is safe during all seasons. Relying on overhead leaves for cover, as an example, is not a year long plan.

Beyond basic avian safety, the other consideration of placement is the function you want the bird feeder to perform.

If you, like most, are hanging up a feeder to enjoy bird watching, make sure that you can comfortably and clearly see the feeder from a place you regularly occupy. This will ensure that you get the most enjoyment possible and reduce the likelihood that you miss an extraordinary bird stopping by for a snack.

However, if you are looking to bring birds to your yard primarily as a form of organic pest control, place your feeder near the plants you are looking to protect - perhaps centered in a garden patch or hung from a bean pole.

Take the time to plan out where your feeder should be. It will help to draw more birds into your yard and prevent the guilt that comes from finding a bird a predator has killed.

Feel free to send us any comments or questions on this Do It Yourself article.

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Used in This Project

Materials:
Bird Seed

Tools:
Bird Feeder