Whether you’re replacing an old bird feeder or just getting started feeding birds, you’ll want to make your new setup appealing. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a bird expert to do so. Your local garden center will have the necessary supplies, and the rest comes down to some simple logistics. Here are a few ways to send the birds flocking to your yard. 

Tips to Make Your Bird Feeder Enticing

1. Advertise

In passing, birds may not see or smell the food you’ve set out for them. To catch their notice, consider setting out something they can hear. Birds get thirsty just like any other animal, so install a small fountain. The rippling water and bubbling sounds will attract fowl to your yard to enjoy a quick drink or a bath. Ask your local garden center professional to help you choose a birdbath or bubbler for your space. 

2. Choose a Prime Location

Birds are picky when it comes to safe places to eat. A feeder in a heavily trafficked area won’t attract as many birds as one that is set back and away from activity. Some birds prefer the “dine and dash” technique — grabbing a quick bite from the feeder and then zooming off to hide in nearby shrubbery. Place your feeder near bushes or shrubs to allow easy escape. 

3. Offer the Tastiest Food

If you want to attract certain kinds of birds, research their food preferences. For example, hummingbirds don’t care about seeds and would be happiest with sugar water. Larger birds — such as magpies, crows, and jays — enjoy peanuts in the shell, whereas smaller birds do not. To attract a variety of birds, find an appetizing seed mixture that contains something for everyone. Head to your local garden center to find the best seed mix for the birds you want in your yard. 

Beisswenger’s Hardware & Power Equipment in New Brighton, MN, is a one-stop destination for your bird-feeding needs. They have an entire garden center department dedicated to our feathered friends, with over 2,000 feeders to choose from. They also make a personalized seed mixture ideal for the native birds in the area. Check out their bird center online or give them a call with any questions at (651) 633-1271.