how long does it usually take birds to notice a bird feeder?

Question

We live in Southern Michigan in an apartment complex. There are a lot of crab apple trees lined up and one about 15 feet in front of our balcony. We've seen (and heard) lots of birds that seem to be living in that tree, and some that seem to live inside vent covers on the side of the building. I don't know what kind of birds they are, but they are very small and not very colorful, with patterns of brown, black, white, and maybe a hint of yellow on some. The seed we put in was a fruit-sunflower mix (with those little round ones, too). The feeder is hanging at the edge of the balcony (second floor) about 3 feet higher than the tree. We put the feeder up last night, and this morning, one or two birds noticed the spilled seed on the balcony, but none have actually gone to the feeder. We tried putting little piles of seed on the rails of the balcony leading up to the feeder, but they haven't found those either. Do I need to adjust something for them to take notice?

Answer 1

..If you build it - they will come...

just give them time...

P.S. you need to answer some questions & build up some points

Be Blessed, old geezer @ 60 <><

P.S.S. We have 6 BIG feeders & sometimes the traffic to feeders is light, while at other times, it's constant (especially in winter months). We live 150 miles east of Seattle and get ample amounts of snow. Once winter hits, natural food sources are mostly snow covered, so the feeders are in great demand. Right now, feeder customer traffic is close to zero 'cuz food is plentiful.

Our bird clientel includes quail, stellar jays, cow birds, grossbeaks, sparrows, chicadees, woodpeckers, red-wing blackbirds & many other common variaties

Answer 2

It takes awhile for the birds to start feeding from feeders.They wait to see if it is safe. sometime it made not be hung in a good spot. They want to be safe. make sure you hang the feed near trees and above and near bushes.You can also get books about birds and feeding them.it may be the feed. Just depend on what kind of birds they are........hope this helps...........
Winter time they will used the feeders the most...so you must check the feeders to see if they need to be filled. But like I said there are books out there about birds and feeding them.

Answer 3

Birds eat when they feel safe maybe to many people walking around the feeders, and they might also be going to another source of food that they are used too,maybe its not the right kind of food, but give it time they will feed when they are ready..

Answer 4

I'm having trouble with my feeder as well... pretty much the same area. I was thinking... maybe it is the type of feeder. Check the shape of the perches on it. Maybe they are too small or akward for them.

This is the feeder we are having trouble with:

http://www.petco.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=360511&cm_ven=nik&cm_cat=75&cm_pla=360511&cm_ite=8336983

Is it similar?

To anyone else answering questions, are the perches on this one okay?

I hope the birds come soon, good luck!

Answer 5

Be patient, soon they will be flocking to the feeder. It also depends on how much food is available to them. Be sure and feed them in the winter when there isn't much else out there for them.

Answer 6

Hi,,,, they are having a field day, seeing how it is Summer time and all the things they eat are blooming...or flying around...

so give them a little time... they will see it and catch on.....

good luck

Answer 7

some times hours and sometimes weeks. Just be patient.

Answer 8

You did your part. They will come when they come. And they WILL come. Trust me on this.Chances are, they are already there. Go check!