Best bird feeders for apartments
You may believe that in order to enjoy feeding birds from your home, you must live near the woods or have a wide yard. This isn’t correct! It’s possible that this would result in a greater variety or number of birds, but birds can be found everywhere. Even if you have a small yard or none at all, you will still enjoy feeding birds. In this post, I’ll go through the top four window bird feeders for apartments and condos, as well as some mounting options for a bird feeder on your apartment railing. We’ll also go over how to put feeders on a small deck with no yard space, as well as how to attract birds to your feeders.
THE IDEAL RAILING BIRD FEEDER FOR AN APARTMENT
You’d be mistaken if you felt you wanted to live in a remote location or have a big yard to enjoy the relaxing and interesting hobby of watching birds visit and feed your house. You can still enjoy feeding and watching birds, even if you live in an apartment and the best you can offer feathery visitors is a window or railing mounted feeder.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for ideas or product recommendations to help These are ideally suited to someone who lives in an apartment with a balcony and a railing. If you’re not sure you want birds congregating too close to your house, this solution might be worth considering. It requires two main components: a railing clamp of some sort that can support the weight of a bird feeder and the bird feeder itself. Even if you don’t have the most spacious and vast yard, you love birding. They are best suited to anyone who has a balcony and a railing outside their apartment. This might be worth considering as your first option if you’re not sure you want birds that are so close to yours.
For Apartment Railings, the Best Hanging Bird Feeder
Perky-hanging Pet’s bird feeder was chosen for us. It has a tray-style feeding section and a circular perch that runs all the way around the feeder, providing a place for birds to rest while they help themselves to some grub. It holds up to 2-pounds of seed. It has a special Sure-Lock cap that keeps squirrels out by locking the lid into place, and the powder-coated brown finish protects it from the elements and rust.
1. Window Feeders
When there is a small amount of space or none, we believe window feeders are the best choice. Suction cups may be used to carefully mount these to any glass surface or window. One of the best things about a window bird feeder is that it allows you to see birds up close and personal without having to leave the building.
The only thing to be cautious about is the windows to which you want to attach them. For example, if you choose windows for rooms with a lot of traffic, the birds might be scared away a little. To assist you in selecting the best window bird feeder, we’ve highlighted our four favorites among the current choices.
Windows feeder details
This type of Window Bird Feeder has strong Suction Cups and Seed Tray. The dimensions are 12 x 4 x 5 inches. It is one of the best Outdoor birdfeeders for Wild Birds, Cardinal, Finch, and Bluebird. Other parts consist of Large Outside Hanging Birdhouse Kits, Drain Holes, 3 Extra Suction Cups. The purpose of drain hole is to keep the seed dry. The feeder has high transparency and see-through acrylic. Due to which you can study and appreciate the beauty of local bird species.
2. Feeder for Balcony Rails
This type of bird feeders is really attractive. And act as one of the best feeding station for birds. If you are living in an apartment, you can still attract birds using balcony rails. These type of feeders attach to a balcony rail and can be easily made or bought. We can also use feeders with suction cups to windows. Balcony gardens are a good way of attracting birds too but there are some things to be aware of if you are thinking of using bird feeders from a high rise apartment. Here is what you need to know. How to attract birds to ypu balcony rails feeders?
• Plants and flowers – birds prefer certain types of plants, either for their seed or because their favorite food, grubs, and bugs, live on them. Sunflowers are a common choice and are extremely simple to produce.
• Shrubs and climbers – use some existing potted shrubs or climbing plants like honeysuckle if possible and necessary. Birds enjoy having a safe place to hide while waiting for food. They also need a safe haven to escape to when feeding.
• Use a bird bath
Birds are attracted to water, particularly moving water, so use a birdbath or a water feature. They must drink and bathe on a daily basis. Add some color – some colors may attract birds. One explanation is that they associate certain colors with food, such as bright yellow sunflowers, which contain sunflower seeds, which are a popular food source for garden birds. Using colored ribbon or ornaments may be beneficial.
• Experiment with various food types – a good seed mix is a good place to start. Sunflower hearts are a firm favorite of mine. Try a few, see which birds come to visit, and go from there. If you keep serving the same food, you might be restricting the number of birds that return after the initial inspection.
Product details:
a clamp mechanism is also used to secure the balcony rail. The dimensions ranges up to 20 x 20 x 23 Cm.
Pros of balcony rail feeder
Any feeder can be modified to simply hang from a balcony railing by securing a clamp wherever there is a horizontal rail or cross-member. restricts birds to smaller, more welcome breeds that have easier access to the feeder.
Cons of balcony rail feeder
Whether clamped or hung, high winds at higher altitudes will dislodge the feeder, and droppings and debris from the feeder, such as husk and filler, will fall to the next surface below. Neighbors below you would not be grateful for the shambles you have created.
3. Tray Feeder
Some time we refer a tray feeder as platform bird feeder or non-exclusive feeder. It is the simplest and versatile type of bird feeder for all type of birds. is just a platform without feeding ports or shapes that may intimidate shy species or where birds have to figure out how to get to the seed? Tray feeder consists of a square or rectangular platform (base) with side pieces. The side pieces help in preventing the birdseed from spilling over.
If you are starting to feed birds at home, Tray feeder is the best type to start with. You can place it anywhere, even on ground, the best advantage is that it is and are easy to refill. Some of the pros and cons are listed below.
Pros of Tray feeder
• There is no dropping waste, making it simple to clean and maintain.
• Any type of tray can be used; it does not have to be an expensive, custom-made item.
Cons of Tray feeder
• When the view of birds is limited, there is a greater risk of attracting Pigeons, Gulls, and other pest birds.
• More shambles and waste
4. SQUIRREL BUSTER STANDARD BIRD FEEDER
Brome’s Squirrel Buster is a common squirrel-proof bird feeder that comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. Maybe you don’t need a squirrel-proof feeder because you live on the third or fourth floor or higher. Maybe you don’t, but either way, it’s a great feeder at a great price, and having that feature doesn’t hurt. You can’t go wrong with this feeder, and when you pair it with the clamp pictured above, you’ll be able to start feeding birds from your balcony in no time!
The Squirrel Buster Standard Bird Feeder has so many attractive features. It helps in feeding your birds while keep squirrels at bay. The Squirrel Buster Standard Bird Feeder 4 perches, seed stays dry and aerated, super easy to refill, and accommodates Chickadees, Carolina Wrens Tufted Titmice, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Cardinals and more. No tools required to disassemble for cleaning, making it a snap to maintain. Feeder cleanliness is important to keep your birds healthy.
It is suggested to clean the feeders once a month during summer, and as weather permits in the winter. The best seed for the squirrel buster feeder is Black Oil Sunflower, or Sunflower. Both of these attract more birds. The dimensions of this type feeder are 5 x 5 x 13.25 inches. While it is one of the truly squirrels proof feeder.
5. Kettle moraine window mount suet feeder:
A suet cake feeder is another form of window feeder to consider. Suet cakes are fat blocks containing peas, nuts, vegetables, mealworms, peanut butter, and other bird-friendly ingredients. Suet is a favorite of woodpeckers, but many other birds will enjoy this high-energy treat as well. Suction cups hold this feeder to the window as well.
You load the cakes through a pull-down door on one side. This feeder is also mine, and I’ve been very happy with it. And when a big fat squirrel was climbing all over it and jumping on and off, it never dropped off the window! I finally relocated it to a spot where the squirrel couldn’t reach it, but I was surprised by how well it stood up to his attacks.
This type of feeder has2 Powerful Suction Cups and Vinyl Coated Wire Mesh.It holds a standard Suet Cake, that helps to Attract Woodpeckers to Your Window
6. Aspect jewel box suction cup hummingbird feeder:
Hummingbirds are among the most entertaining birds to watch and eat. All will now appreciate these tiny birds thanks to this window feeder. The hummers will be drawn to the bright red top. They can pick from three feeding ports and a perch bar if they want to sit down. It contains a detachable ant moat, which is a good bonus. Droll Yankees hanging 4 tube feeders:
A regular hanging feeder, which hangs from a hook connected to the window with suction cups, is another form of window feeder you might try. This is why the Wood link Window Glass Hanger for Bird Feeders was made. It will carry up to 4 pounds, which should be plenty if you pick your feeder wisely.
A slim tube-type feeder is mostly preferred, if you want to go this way. This Droll Yankees tube feeder carries 1 pound of seed and weighs 1.55 pounds, so it should be easy to hang from the hook. Because of its compact size, you won’t have to think about big domes or trays obstructing the view from your seat. This feeder is made by Droll Yankees, a high-quality brand that will last through the seasons. Most bird seed is consistent with it (sunflower, millet, safflower, and mixes). If you have some questions, the company’s customer service is outstanding.
How to hang your feeder?
Here are a few options if your apartment or condo has a small balcony or deck and you’d rather hang your feeders there than from a window. So you’ve set up your window or deck feeder and are looking for a little help attracting birds. Birds are thought to hunt for food primarily through sight, so try to catch their attention as they fly by. Greenery and water are two things that can help with this.
Greenery and flowers can be added to your feeders by placing a window box near them. Some birds even use window boxes as a nesting site.
• Audubon duck hook clamp with the mount bracket
Clamps onto horizontal deck rails and holds up to 15 pounds. You should be able to hang almost any type of feeder from this point. Before you buy, make sure it will fit on your deck railing by reading the item description.
• Green esteem favors the following wall-mounted bird feeder pole:
If you can drill into your deck or the side of your house, a wall-mounted pole is an option. This pole can hold up to 15 pounds and swivels 360 degrees, allowing you to put it exactly where you want it for the best view. This was the type of pole I used. The deck’s design provided an ideal location for hanging this right in front of the kitchen window.
DECK FEEDER RECOMMENDATION
You should be able to choose any bird feeder you want if you use any of the clamps and poles mentioned above. When feeding birds from a deck, however, squirrels will usually have easy access to your feeder. As a result, you may want to select a feeder that is designed to keep squirrels out.
How to attract birds to your feeder?
The best location for hanging your birdfeeder may not always be in your line of sight. Protection and shelters are important to birds. Bird feeders should be put in an environment where your visitors are protected from prey.
Most importantly, stay away from open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at or just above eye level. Feeders should not be hanging too close to some spot where squirrels might climb on them, or too low so that they are within reach of a cat. If birds can’t eat without being attacked by predators, they’ll move on to a new bird feeder.
This would be perfect if you have a spot in your yard where you can hang a shepherd’s hook. Birdfeeder hooks are taller, allowing them to hang farther away from poles, walls, and branches. Hanging or ground-based platform feeders are available. When the feeders are hung, they would be better, but some birds, such as doves and sparrows, prefer to eat from the ground.
If you’ve a birdfeeder and want to substitute or add another, bear in mind that birds are creatures of habit and might not take to the new one right away. Allow the old birdfeeder to deplete gradually while keeping the new one stocked for your birds. If you’re keeping the old feeder, take it down until the birds have discovered the new one. If you’re keeping it, slowly begin to refill it.
Some other Types of Bird Feeders
Some other common type of feeders are in use. Let’s have a short description of each.
Decorative Bird Feeders
Decorative bird feeders come in a variety of architectural styles, from pagodas to historical sites, and can be used in any garden.
Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds need nectar, which is a special type of food. Hummingbirds can appreciate a nectar-filled hummingbird feeder. Like other feeders in which dispensing of seed is done, Hummingbird feeders supply liquid nourishment to hummingbirds. This liquid nourishment is in the form of a sugar solution. This solution contains four parts of water to one-part white sugar. Experts suggest to use pure and refined white cane or beet solution. This type of feeder has red glass or red accents which helps in attracting hummingbirds. Similarly, if the feeder color is not red the sugar mixture is colored with red food to attract birds. To prevent the solution from yeasts and to harm the birds it may be refreshed frequently and kept very clean to avoid. Humming feeder can be kept in partial sun, almost 20 feet away from windows, 15 feet from the nearest cover, like bushes or shrubs. This type of feeder has top-fill feeders and bottom-fill hummingbird feeders. The top one is easy to fill and clean while the bottom-fill includes a traditional bottom-fill feeder.
Wooden bird feeders
Wooden bird feeders are made of a variety of trees, most commonly cedar or redwood, and are durable under all climatic conditions.
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders
Keeping squirrels far from bird seed by using a squirrel-proof bird feeder that is either weighed or pest-proof.
Tube Feeders
Tube Feeders or hopper seed feeders are mainly squirrel proof. To keep squirrels away from the bird food different defense mechanisms is applied which deters squirrels from getting close to the seed. Some seed feeders have the mechanism of weight-sensitive technology which shuts off the access to the seed ports whenever a heavyweight as compared to the birds is detected. While birds can still feed as they weigh less and the ports remain open under their weight. A tube-like feeder which is surrounded by a metal cage is one of the simplest types of squirrel-proof feeder. Also, it can be seen in the picture below. This type of feeders offer protection from large size and aggressive birds. Tube seed feeders are made of clear plastic tubes or metal caps, containing bases and perches.
Suet Bird Feeders
Suet is a high-protein food consumed by a number of bird species. With a suet bird feeder, you can provide suet to the birds. Give your birds a reason to choose your bird feeder over others. Build a bird garden that is adapted to their needs to attract birds:
• Water
• Shrubs
• Pretty Flowers
• Bird houses
Water attracts birds, so place your birdfeeder near a pond, birdbath, or dripper. Water, especially the sound of running or trickling water, can act as a natural attractant. You have a great chance of attracting birds and encouraging them to return if there is a consistent supply of water all year.
Birds can find shelter in a variety of places. A shrub or thicket that provides dense camouflage from predators, or a nest box or bird house, may provide shelter. Fruit-bearing shrubs and thickets are an additional benefit in the winter.
Birds are attracted to flowers because the seeds that fall after the bloom attract them. The daisy is one of the best flowers to plant for attracting birds because it is easy to grow and produces a lot of seeds in the winter. The sunflower is another common flower among birds. Plants that are native to your region are also ideal, as they attract birds that are there now.
Bird feeders available in a multitude of sizes, types, and designs, but the one you select might not be the most appealing to the birds in your yard. Knowing how to draw birds to a feeder will make it easier for them to travel from one feeder to the next, allowing you to extend your backyard buffet in whatever theme you like.
Getting New Feeders
A single bird feeder is rarely enough once you get hooked on feeding the birds, as any backyard birder knows. If you’re selecting a larger feeder to accommodate more birds, different types of feeders for different types of seed, or simply adding more feeders to accommodate a growing flock, it’s crucial to choose a model that birds would find appealing. Find the following characteristics:
Birds will find the new feeder and see the available seed if it is accessible.
Feeding ports that are suitable for the seed type and desired bird species.
Multiple perches or bases to easily hold a large number of birds
Expectations for feeder capability and refill frequency.
Built-in baffles or no-chew construction are examples of pest-resistant features.
Environment suitability to keep seed dry or free of snow and ice if necessary.
To keep the feeder in top condition, it must be durable and easy to maintain and clean.
Feeders are often available in a number of decorative styles, including natural designs, miniature houses, and abstract artistic forms. It takes time for birds in becoming familiar to your feeder and happily feed it, regardless of the sort.
How to Get Birds to Feed from a New Feeder?
Birds can take just a few minutes to get used to a new bird feeder in some yards and gardens, but days or weeks may pass until they are familiar with the new design in others. To either get birds to choose a modern bird feeder, do the following:
Place the new feeder in the same location as the old ones. If the feeder has to be moved, do so gradually away from the old feeding station so the birds learn to recognise it.
Place the feeder in a visually appealing, protected spot, ideally near a brush piles, fence, or other form of shelter, so that visitor birds feel safe.
To encourage birds to note and frequent a new feeder, place a nearby bird bath nearby, but not so close that it becomes dirty and clogged with seed debris. The most efficient way to attract birds’ attention is to use a bath with flowing water, such as a bird bath fountain, wiggler, or dripper.
Fill a new feeder by the most common form of birdseed you sell, even though it will be needed for something else later. The most common sunflower seeds are black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, and Nyjer seed, which will attract birds faster than mixed seeds. Slowly add the appropriate seed to change the structure of the feeder as the birds become used to it.
To attract further attention to the position as a new and useful feeding site, spread some seed on the top of the feeder, on a nearby platform, or on the ground near the feeder.
Remove other feeders that provide similar seed for the time being to limit the number of options available to birds. Other feeders may be returned to service as the birds get used to the new feeder, and the birds can use them all.
Add a feeding platform to the new feeder to attract more birds, or a squirrel baffle to keep rodents away while making the feeder more appealing to birds.
If Birds Still Aren’t Using the Feeder
If you’re not seeing birds at the new feeder after a few days, check the seed levels to see if they’re visiting it and you’re just missing out on their snacks. If the seed isn’t being consumed, check your other feeders; it’s likely that the birds have moved or aren’t as active in the yard as they once were, making it more difficult for them to adjust to a new feeder.
Also, make sure the seed you’re using in a new feeder is of good quality. If the seed is not eaten after a few days, it may have become mouldy or attracted insects, rendering it unsuitable for birds. For the best results in attracting birds, hold the feeder packed with fresh seed. Ensure that the type of seed provided suits the size of the eating ports to ensure that the birds can consume it.
Be Patient
It takes time for birds to get used to a new feeder and return to it on a regular basis. When using a new bird feeder, patience is needed, but if you take the necessary steps to make the feeder appealing to the birds, you will soon be refilling it regularly and enjoying more bird experiences.
Some people want to know if there are any unique “tricks” to attracting birds to their home besides placing out a bird feeder or a birdbath.
Here are four tried-and-true strategies for attracting as many bird species as possible to your yard. You will not only be able to see them, but you will also be assisting them on their long relocation trips or in surviving a harsh winter. Following the advice below, a well-stocked yard or deck will help hundreds of birds be healthy throughout the year and thousands survive a harsh winter. Isn’t that amazing
1. Bubbles and Drips
Birds do need water, but they might not always be aware that you have provided it. This is particularly true for refugees passing through in the spring and fall. The easiest way to “advertise” is to use a fountain pump or a tiny dripping tube to let them hear the spray.
Our feathered friends love dripping faucets, mini fountains, bubblers, and misters. They are fairly priced and can be found online as well as in most bird supply shops. I like to imagine migratory birds like warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers waiting for a drink (and a snack) on their way from Canada to Mexico.
2. “Smorgasbord”
The most common bird seed, Black-Oil Sunflower, attracts a wide variety of birds to your feeder. It’s a favorite of blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, and sparrows. Are you a beginner when it comes to outdoor birds?
Goldfinches adore thistle or Nyjer, a small, high-quality seed. Along with their relatives, red-hued house finches and bright-colored buntings, these birds have a lovely gold colour and are a joy to watch.
Seed requires the need for a bird (finch) feeder with smaller holes. For beginners, seed mixes are common because they attract a variety of birds. Birds, on the other hand, can be messy because they pick over discarded seeds and throw them away. Seed mixes that have been de-hulled and labelled “no-mess” will reduce the mess underneath your feeder. Ground-feeding birds, such as crows, are more likely to pick them up.
Suet is a type of animal fat cake that provides a high levels of protein for birds, particularly during the winter months. Suet can be a lifeline for many birds in your yard when food is scarce. Suet is sometimes combined with seeds and eaten in suet cages.
Hummingbirds need nectar, which is sugar water, and nectar. The most well-known nectar-loving birds are hummingbirds. In your backyard, they’re a delight to watch. The oriole is a fruit-eating bird that often loves nectar. It is becoming increasingly rare. you can feed birds a range of different items. Peanuts, peanut butter, cracked corn, millet, and apple pieces are all favorites of birds.
3. Litter-Bugs
A significant number of bird species feed on the ground and seldom, if ever, come to feed on feeders. Others can dig about in small piles or mats of leaf litter you may put around the yard, gobbling up seeds that have fallen from the feeders. This leaf litter serves as a natural habitat for a variety of insects and provides food for insect and grub-eating birds such as robins, towhees, and other small birds.
4. Havens and Hideaways
Birds will sit in a nearby bush as a “staging area” before flying out for a short snack on the feeder, if you notice how they approach most feeders. They’ll quickly retreat to the relative safety of shrubbery or trees. As a result, putting feeders near some kind of “safety cover” will attract more birds. Keep an eye out for neighborhood cats, however. They enjoy lying in wait.
Birds attract other birds as well. These inquisitive creatures keep an eye out for crime in the area and enjoy seeing what’s going on. For them, your yard will be the neighborhood restaurant that you can’t wait to tell all of your buddies regarding.
The most important thing to remember when attracting birds to your yard or deck is to relax and enjoy the process. You’ll be surprised by how many birds you see as they begin to find your place. Keep an eye on the food and water sources, particularly in the winter when you can help dozens of birds stay warm. Remember that a good bird identification guide can make the experience much more enjoyable. We like it a lot. Because of its positive feedback and affordable price, we like the National Wildlife Federation’s Guide to North American Birds
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed different types of bird feeders for apartments. We hope you will have enjoyed the article. for more interesting topics regarding Bird feeding, Selection of bird feeder poles, etc. please wait for our next article. We will upload a new article on other interesting topics very soon. Till that, Good Bye and stay safe.
