Your Bird Feeders Are Probably In The Wrong Place, Experts Say
It’s almost time for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.
And given that about 64% of UK households put food out for our winged friends, chances are you keep a beady eye out for the beaked beauties in your garden all throughout the winter.
But according to James Ewens, a wildlife expert at Green Feathers, an awful lot of us are making a surprisingly consequential mistake with our feeders.
“Believe it or not, the position of your bird feeders really matters,” he said.
Where should I put my bird feeder?
Though birds are most visible on exposed, mid-lawn feeders, Ewens said that’s not always the best, or most comfortable, place for them.
“Birds need to feel safe, and the position of the bird feeders and shelters is crucial so as to not scare them off before they even have a chance to settle,” he said.
And a very exposed area might not help them to do that. Instead, consider placing them closer to shrubbery and hedges
That’s not to say they should be placed in an area touching the leaves of a hedge, as that could help animals like cats leap at them from the shadows.
As the RSPB put it, it should “not [be] too close to bushes where predators could hide in wait, but close enough to cover so that birds can easily dart away”.
Ewens agreed, “A quiet, sheltered spot next to hedges or bushes is optimal - protecting birds from predators.
“Birds need a clear view to danger-spot for predators, so leave around 10 metres between the hedges and bird-feeders.”
When is the best time to watch birds?
“Birds are most active in the morning, so when selecting your time for a one-hour session, it should ideally be at sunrise or shortly after” if you’re taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, he said.
Of course, that works for any other birdwatching endeavour too.
“You can choose any hour to bird watch over the weekend, but to capture the most accurate results, the morning is when we can see the most feathered friends,” the expert ended.