There are around 1100 species of birds in the US, and some are closer to your home than you think. Feeding backyard birds is a great way to birdwatch and support local wildlife. But are you avoiding the common bird feeding mistakes?
It may seem easy to start feeding backyard birds, but sustaining the feeding can be harder. You can even do more harm than good too.
The good news is knowing the common bird feeding mistakes and how to avoid them will improve your chance of success. Read on to learn six common bird feeder mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Cleaning Regularly
Not cleaning your birdhouses and feeders will damage them and can even spread disease. You will put your local birds at risk and need to replace feeders more regularly. Also, be sure to find bird feeder options and houses that are easy to clean.
2. Using Poor-quality Seeds
It might be tempting to buy economic seeds in bulk, but they are filled with fillers. Birds do not eat filler ingredients, so you will waste your money, the seeds can cause weeds, and the birds will go hungry.
Avoid common filler ingredients such as rapeseed and wheat. Pick well-reviewed and quality food for birds.
3. Leaving Feeders Empty
Do not forget about feeding winter birds! One of the most common bird feeding mistakes is leaving feeders empty, as birds will soon look elsewhere and not return. Keep feeders topped up with the right food for birds throughout the year.
4. Forgetting Water
Birds like ground-level birdbaths and raised birdbaths. If you forget to water or do not change it, you will not get as many birds, and dirty water breeds disease.
Leave a space for birds to drink and bathe, which you can heat during winter. Never use pesticides or anti-freeze, which can be lethal for birds.
5. Neglecting Bird Feeder Protection
It is not only birds who like bird food. Other animals such as raccoons, rats, squirrels, and even bears will eat food for birds. Pick bird feeder options with protection so that birds can eat their meals without disturbance.
6. Poor Placement
It is important to plan where you place feeders and houses. Consider getting various housing and bird feeder options to appeal to different birds. For example, you can choose a bluebird house or a specific feeder for certain birds, such as hummingbirds.
Also, review where you are placing bird feeders. Place bird feeders close to cover but with an opening underneath.
Avoid Bird Feeding Mistakes
Now you know some common bird feeding mistakes and how to avoid them. By taking these simple steps, you will be successful in feeding backyard birds. Save time and money by getting it right the first time.
When you first set up your food for birds, have patience. It can take some time for birds to discover your feeders. But if you have suitable feeders, food for birds, and location, you will have many bird visitors before you know it.
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