For many city dwellers, having outdoor space is a luxury. Balconies and patios provide a small oasis, a place to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors even when living in an urban setting. If you want to bring some nature right to your balcony, a great way to do so is by attracting birds.
Setting up a bird feeder on a high-rise balcony creates an up-close bird watching opportunity. Watching the visiting birds provides entertainment, stress relief, and a connection to wildlife. With some strategically placed feeders and planning, you can create an urban bird sanctuary.
Understanding Birds in Your Area
To attract birds, it helps to understand what type of birds live in your area. Different species have different food preferences and habits. You’ll have the most success if you cater to the birds nearby.
Identifying Local Bird Species
Get an idea of which birds are native to your region. Consult local birdwatching resources to find out about birds commonly seen in town. Seasonal migrants and year-round residents frequent cities.
Some species like house sparrows, mourning doves, crows, chickadees, juncos, and woodpeckers adapt well to urban areas. Be aware of endangered species too. Providing food sources supports at-risk birds.
Understanding Seasonal Bird Patterns
Keep in mind that bird populations change over the year. Certain species breed during summer and migrate in the colder months. Food sources that birds rely on naturally also vary throughout the year.
Offer foods aligned with seasonal needs. For example, high energy suet supplements wintering birds’ diets. When setting up feeders, look up what birds are around at different times of year.
Choosing the Right Feeder
When it comes to selecting a feeder, you need to consider your space, safety, and the eating habits of target bird species. Select a feeder designed to accommodate local birds.
Types of Feeders
There are many styles of bird feeders available:
- Hopper or house feeders – for various seeds, with a roof to protect from weather
- Tube feeders – holds single types of seeds, has feeding ports and perches
- Suet feeders – specialized for suet cakes, tails as a feeding perch
- Nectar feeders – designed for hummingbirds, with nectar ports accessible by long bills
- Platform feeders – open trays allowing access for many birds at once
Choose feeder types that match the foods you want to offer. For example, tube feeders for nyjer seed or suet feeders for suet cakes.
Considerations for Balcony Spaces
When placing feeders on balconies, look for ones suitable for small spaces. Opt for compact feeders that can attach to railings or walls.
Consider the following when selecting feeders:
- Size – Choose appropriately scaled feeders for your balcony
- Weight – Ensure feeders are not too heavy when full to securely hang
- Placement – Pick spots that allow you to watch birds from inside
- Durability – Look for weatherproof feeders that will withstand the elements
Well-designed balcony feeders keep seed dry, allow drainage, and are easy to clean.
Safety for Birds and Humans
Bird feeders on balconies should be secure and safe. Select feeders that properly fasten to rails or walls without tipping or falling. Likewise, verify any hooks or installation hardware can handle the weight.
Avoid feeders made with harmful materials for the birds. Select non-toxic finishes and food safe plastics. Place feeders away from walls or railings where birds could hit them at high speeds.
For human safety, mount feeders where you can easily reach them for cleaning and maintenance. Avoid locations directly above walking paths where falling debris could be a hazard.
Selecting the Best Food for Balcony Birds
Choosing quality seeds and other foods will ensure your balcony buffet gets rave reviews from birds. Offer foods that nourish birds in your area and match feeder setups.
Seed Mixes and Bird Preferences
Different species prefer certain seeds. Sunflower seeds and Nyjer thistle attract the widest variety of birds. Tailor mixed seed blends to your target guests.
- Sunflower seeds – Cardinals, woodpeckers, finches, nuthatches, chickadees
- Safflower seeds – Cardinals, titmice, finches
- Nyjer thistle – Goldfinches, pine siskins, redpolls
- Peanuts – Woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice
Avoid cheap filler seeds like milo and wheat that birds ignore. Check seed freshness between fill ups and store correctly.
Alternative Bird Foods
Beyond basic seeds, you can offer specialty foods:
- Suet – High energy source enjoyed by woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens
- Fruit – Dried raisins, berries, and citrus for orioles, bluebirds, robins
- Nectar – Sugar water mix for hummingbirds
- Mealworms – Protein packed treat for robins and bluebirds
- Peanut butter – Smeared on pinecones or bark for woodpeckers
These foods require specific feeders in many cases. Do research to figure out the best options to attract and nourish the species you want.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can harm birds or fail to provide needed nutrition. Avoid the following:
- Moldy or rotten foods
- Refined breads, baked goods
- Salty foods like potato chips
- Sugary foods without nutrients
- Dried rice or pasta – swells in crops
Stick to quality bird feed without artificial preservatives or seasoning. Foster healthy birds with natural foods.
Attracting Birds with Feeder Placement
Where and how you situate feeders greatly impacts the number of feathered visitors. Follow some key tips when installing feeders to make your space appealing.
Positioning Your Feeder
Place feeders in optimal spots for both birds and viewing:
- Visible lines of sight – So birds notice the feeders
- Near trees or shrubs – Birds feel protected while feeding
- 5-10 feet off the ground – Foot traffic doesn’t scare birds but cats can’t pounce
- Close to cover – Birds can escape to shelter quickly
- Protected from wind and rain – Seeds stay dry
Arrange multiple feeders together to create a feeding station. Use hooks or suction cups specifically made for balcony railings when mounting.
Adding Water Sources
Offering fresh water helps attract birds. Set out a bird bath or small fountain if space allows. Position it near feeders and vegetation. Keep the water clean and change it regularly.
You can also use a mister attachment to create drips that birds can bathe in. Providing water allows birds to maintain healthy feathers.
Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment
Beyond food, make your balcony enticing with natural elements:
- Plants for cover – Flowers, shrubs, small trees
- Nesting sites – Birds boxes, woven straw baskets
- Running water – Dripping or misting fountain if possible
- Perches – Railings, trellis, dried branches
- Native plants – For eating seeds or berries
A welcoming habitat keeps birds coming back. Let some vegetation grow wild to create the natural areas birds love.
Maintaining a Clean Bird Feeder
To keep birds safe and your balcony pleasant, bird feeders require some simple maintenance. Just a few minutes a week helps maintain a healthy bird environment.
Keeping Feeders Clean
Over time, feeders accumulate mold, bacteria, and other grime:
- Discard old, molded seed
- Remove droppings and food debris
- Clean with a non-toxic bird feeder wash and water
- Use a bottle brush to scrub inside crevices
- Allow to fully dry before refilling
Wipe or sweep the area under feeders to remove waste. Schedule feeder cleaning into your routine.
Managing Leftover Seed and Bird Waste
Prevent seeds and poop from accumulating:
- Use feeders with catch trays
- Place feeders over grass or dirt areas
- Position feeders away from seating areas
- Sweep or vacuum debris regularly
- Ask upstairs neighbors to avoid shaking rugs outside
Proper feeder placement cuts down on mess. Quickly clean any areas under feeders.
Predator and Pest Prevention
Take steps to stop unwanted critters:
- Place feeders away from railings where cats could ambush
- Use feeders with weight sensitive perches to deter squirrels
- Apply hot pepper powder or flakes to deter squirrels
- Install predator guards or baffles above feeders
- Remove food debris daily to prevent rat issues
Smart feeder selection stops sneaky critters from hogging your bird buffet. Check feeders at night for nocturnal visitors.
Observing and Enjoying Your Balcony Birds
Watching the visiting birds makes all the effort of feeder setup worthwhile. Follow best practices as an responsible birdwatcher to avoid disturbing them.
Best Practices for Birdwatching
Observe birds in ways that don’t frighten them:
- Watch from inside behind windows or glass doors
- Avoid sudden movements when outdoors
- Prevent kids from chasing birds
- Never handle young birds – parents still care for them
- Limit noise and flashing lights
Using binoculars and telephoto lenses allow close viewing without disturbing them. Let birds behave naturally.
Recording Bird Visits
Keep track of species visiting:
- Record dates and times birds arrive
- Note bird behaviors like feeding, bathing, singing
- Identify less common birds
- Count the largest number of birds at one time
- Take photos of visitors through windows
This creates a birding log to look back on. You can identify patterns and favorites.
Engaging with a Birdwatching Community
Connect with other local bird lovers:
- Join Facebook groups, forums, and mailing lists
- Attend birdwatching events and lectures
- Volunteer at bird rehabilitation centers
- Share photos and experiences with others
- Seek help identifying tricky bird species
Learning more about birds from experts and enthusiasts will enhance your hobby. Citizen science projects also benefit bird research.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Like any new hobby, establishing balcony bird feeding comes with some potential hiccups. With patience and adjustments, you can work through them.
When Birds Aren’t Showing Up
Be patient, it takes time for birds to find new feeders. Other tips to get them coming:
- Try different seed blends to see what they like
- Move feeders around to more open or protected areas
- Add extra feeders to provide more spots
- Offer a variety of foods like fruit, suet and nectar
- Ensure other area feeders aren’t out competing yours
- Wait for migrating birds to return to your area
Persistence pays off. Allow a few weeks for word to spread about your new feeders.
Dealing with Aggressive Birds
Some big species might hog feeders. Deter them with these tactics:
- Use feeders with weight sensitive perches
- Employ feeders with cages or covers
- Offer separate feeder areas for small and large birds
- Scare off aggressive birds with loud noises
- Feed very early or late when bullies aren’t around
- Use dried chili pepper to make unappetizing
Creative feeder options prevent intimidating your desired songbirds.
Managing Environmental Factors
Weather and other issues can cause problems:
- Move feeders out of heavy wind and rain
- Use weather guards to keep seed dry
- Clear snow piles covering feeders
- Prevent fire ants or bees from swarming when possible
- Bring feeders in at night to foil nocturnal pests
- Wipe away mold immediately to prevent spread
- Fix leaky feeders dripping on balconies below
Daily monitoring helps you stay ahead of any feeder issues. Be ready to adapt as needed.
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Final Words on Feeding Balcony Birds
Welcoming birds to your urban balcony opens up a new world. A few feeders provide hours of relaxation, education, and companionship through engaging with nature.
The Joy of Birdwatching
Watching the interactions between species at your homemade buffet becomes utterly engrossing. The thrill when a rare bird stops by keeps you tuning in daily. Nothing beats unwinding over coffee while observing their antics.
Continuing Your Bird Feeding Journey
With basic supplies and some trial and error, you can craft a simple bird habitat. As you learn more about birds and connect with other enthusiasts, you’ll find there’s always more to explore. Allow your new hobby to grow organically as you find joy and meaning.
The birds don’t know you live in the middle of the city. Your urban oasis gives them a safe space while providing you a cherished window into the natural world. With a little strategic planning, anyone can turn their ho-hum balcony into a thriving aviary.