I put out a bird feeder, and no birds have come to feed. What can I do to attract birds?

Question

We live in Jacksonville, FL, and no birds have come to see us. We put the feeder in the back yard with seeds that should attract the kinds of birds we have seen in out camphor trees, but they are not coming at all. We haven't even had a squirrel.

Answer 1

try sprinkling some on the ground all around the feeder

Answer 2

If you have the time and really want to attract birds make or buy what is known as decoys usualy used by hunters depending on what the decoy bird looks like it can attract or deter birds, some people may use a bird of prey decoy to scare the small prey birds away to stop them pooping on their car.

Anyway make a few models (paper or is it 'papier mache' should do the trick with a little coat of paint) of the small birds you want to attract and place them on the ground around your garden they don't need to be perfect "They were tools, intended to deceive and lure wild birds, and they therefore had to act as symbols of the birds they sought to attract rather than to slavishly imitate their appearance to the human eye." - this quote is extracted from the 2nd website in the sources below, and when the birds fly over they will notice and think there is food thats why you always see loads of birds or no birds because they all see from above where the food is and where the other birds are feeding and join them.

Also going with what I said above things can deter birds if there's something in the garden that scares them they won't come so maybe try moving certain objects or removing completely this might help.

Answer 3

Birds are cautious creatures. It will take them a while to trust your feeders. Make sure that you are using high quality seed, that the feeder is placed near some trees or bushes to provide cover from predators, and that there are no cats or dogs lurking in your yard. Also, provide them with a source of clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing and they will soon make your yard their number one hangout!

By the way - please do not feed any bread, soaked or dry - as bread is not a nutritious or natural food for birds. A bird's digestive systme is not designed to digest the processed flour and refined sugars in bread, crackers, cookies, cakes and other human snacks that people are so fond of sharing with their feathered friends.

Here's an excellent source of info on bird feeding. It includes information on Feeder Types (Choose the feeder that's right for the birds you want to attract.), Choosing Bird Food
(The best foods for the birds you want to invite to dinner.)
Feeder Location (Where to put your bird feeder for the best results.), Feeder Maintenance (Taking care of your feeder.),
Feeder Pests and Predators (How to deal with unwanted feeder visitors.) and BirdNotes--Winter Bird Feeding
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/attracting/feeding/

Answer 4

It also took the birds some time before they found the bird-feeder I put up. Just have some patience with them

Answer 5

You need to put food in lots of containers and put them in lots of different places, like hanging on trees and under bushes, on low roofs, fixed to walls and fences.

Once the birds start coming you can move the feeders into a more centralised position where you can watch them all.

Don't put food on the ground as this will attract rats.

Answer 6

Birds usually learn over time who feeds so be patient. And remember when you stop, they will be hungry. They come back to the same feeders. They just need to discover your feeder. Put bright colors by it too. Good Luck!

Answer 7

A long-term solution might be putting a bird bath, especially one with a fountain to keep it from stagnating. Or, just run the hose with a sprinkler attachment for a short-term idea. It can also make for some nice wildlife photos.

Answer 8

hi there bird lover,(1) place your feeder up off the ground,just high enough for you to put the seed in,(2) position it under trees, to enable any birds to check-out whats on todays menu,(3) to look out for pesky cats or dogs around the area, (4) early in the morning place a couple of slices of bread soaked in water, just break into little pieces-up & throw them around under the bird feeder.

Answer 9

Bird just probably cant see them or if you get monkys they scared them away mabe triy put the bird feeder some where else.. birds maybe dont like the food or something..........

Answer 10

That's wrong