Whether you are new to bird feeding or aren’t attracting the birds you want to see in your garden, this blog is for you. It is often that, as bird feeders, we have all the right stuff, but don’t get results. Bird feeding isn’t just about having the best quality bird seed and the appropriate bird feeders. This blog is going to discuss the best place to hang a bird feeder.

The Best Place To Hang A Bird Feeder

Where to put your bird feeder is one of the most frequently asked questions from fellow bird watchers, and we have the answer!

There are two main questions to ask yourself when hanging up your bird feeder, can it be seen? And is it safe?

By safe, we mean, is the feeder in a place away from the potential of window collisions and likely predators - this may need some strategic planning. Avoiding window collisions doesn’t necessarily mean keeping the feeder away from windows, in fact, it means the opposite. If a feeder is relatively close to a window, a bird cannot be going at a great enough speed to hurt itself if it does collide with the window once it takes off from the feeder.

We also suggest that feeders are placed close to a natural shelter, replicating the birds’ habitat in the wild. Being close to shrubs and trees offers a natural resting place for birds to feed. Not only does it replicate their home in the wild but foliage can act as a barrier from harsh winter weather conditions and predators.

Changing The Place You Hang A Bird Feeder

It may be necessary with the changing of seasonal weather conditions that in summer, you offer birds a place out of direct sunlight, and in winter you offer them a place protected from the harsh conditions (especially in the UK!).

There may be another reason why you may need to consider changing the place you hang your feeder - you’re seeing no birds!

Be patient when you first start feeding birds, it may take a while for birds to recognise and trust your garden. If you see no birds at first, this isn’t a signal to rush to change the feeder's location, however, if you notice birds aren’t visiting your garden after a while, it might be time to try a new location for your bird feeder.

It’s also important to monitor the species of birds that are visiting your garden. For example, Robins are natural ground feeders. If you see a lot of Robins around your garden, but only have hanging bird feeders, this may be a sign to change the way you feed birds - maybe try sprinkling a few seeds on the ground nearby and see if you attract any more birds.

RSPB’s Top Tips On Where To Hang Your Bird Feeder

The RSPB provide us with an abundance of updates, news and information surrounding feeding both garden birds and wild birds in Britain.

They have put together criteria to follow when choosing the best place to hang a bird feeder.

The locations should be quiet and if possible, away from regular human traffic.
The space should be open and safe.
Sheltered areas.
With a lookout point. This means close to an area where birds can perch and see if the feeder is safe, watch their fledglings from, or ‘queue’ if needs be.
Hygienic - reducing the number of birds using one feeder at one time is the best way to avoid contamination.

Once you have chosen the right bird feeder(s) for your garden and picked the best place for it, your garden should be a popular destination for birds year-round.