Host A Feeding Frenzy!

Maximize backyard traffic with tried-and-true tips from the pros.

- Kenn And Kimberly Kaufman

A bird feeder is like a window to the natural world. It gives you a chance to delight in the antics and beauty of birds for hours of joy and learning. Best of all, feeding backyard fliers is simple—anyone can do it. Follow these tips to make the experience even better for you and for the birds.

Keep Up with Cleaning

A clean feeder is essential, and it’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re buying or building a new one. In addition to how attractive it looks, how sturdy it is, and how much seed it holds, consider how easy it will be to clean a particular feeder. And then it’s important to follow up by cleaning them thoroughly—once every few weeks for seed or suet feeders, once every few days for hummingbird feeders, and even more often in hot and humid weather.

Skip the Red Dye

Experts agree that red dye in hummingbird food is not only unnecessary, it could actually harm hummingbirds. The safest, most inexpensive way to provide hummingbird food (aside from adding native plants) is making your own: Stir four parts water with one part pure cane sugar. Bring to a boil, cool completely and fill your feeders.

Go Beyond Seed

Bird feeding is rewarding even if you offer only one or two kinds of food. But adding variety to the menu attracts more kinds of birds. Black oil sunflower, thistle (Nyjer) seed and white millet are three of the staples. Add oranges and apples to attract orioles and catbirds, suet to lure woodpeckers and peanuts to entice titmice, chickadees and nuthatches.

Say No to Grease