Why Do Birds Fly Away When I Fill My Bird Feeder? How to Encourage Them
It's a common frustration for many bird enthusiasts – you fill the feeder with fresh food, and the birds all fly away and stay away for a long time. Have they forgotten about you and your kindness? Is being near you such a big deterrent to them?
Understanding Bird Behavior
Before we dive into solutions, it's important to understand why birds might be avoiding you. Birds can perceive human proximity as a potential threat, despite their friendly intentions. Even if you're bigger than their natural predators like foxes or snakes, birds are instinctively cautious. They rely on their keen senses to avoid danger, so anything out of the ordinary might make them suspicious.
On the contrary, some birds have been known to trust humans and even be fed from a hand. However, this requires immense patience and the ability to sit still for extended periods. If you're not someone who can sit still for hours, it's understandable why birds might be cautious around you.
Feeding Strategies and Bird-Friendly Options
While it's true that some birds can be more trusting of humans, there are ways to encourage them to return to your feeder. Here are a few methods you can try:
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
One of the best ways to attract a wide variety of birds is by using black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are favored by many species, including chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and grosbeaks. They're easy to find, affordable, and provide a nutritious meal for your feathered friends. Place a few handfuls in your feeder and observe which species come to eat.
Suet Cakes for Woodpeckers
Suet cakes are another great choice, especially if you're looking to attract woodpeckers. Suet provides an excellent source of energy for these birds, especially during colder months. Their strong bills make them efficient at cracking open suet cakes, and they often form a close relationship with those who offer this food regularly.
Mealworms for Bluebirds
Mealworms are a particularly attractive choice for bluebirds. These grubs are a rich source of protein and are highly sought after by many birds. They can be obtained from pet stores or online. Place mealworms in a small dish within your bird feeder, and bluebirds will likely flock to the area.
Experimenting with different types of feeders and food sources can also help you identify which birds are frequent visitors. Some birds might live on seeds, while others might prefer a more insect-based diet.
Building Trust with Birds
While changing the type of feed and feeder can attract more birds, building trust takes time. Birds need to feel safe and secure around humans before they'll approach a feeder. Here are a few tips to help you: Place your feeder in a quiet, secluded area of your yard where there's less human activity. Birds are naturally cautious and need a safe space to test the environment. Use cover, such as trees or shrubs, to give birds a place to perch and observe their surroundings before approaching the feeder. Gradually increase your presence near the feeder, always maintaining a calm and relaxed demeanor. Be patient and avoid sudden movements. Continue to offer food consistently. Birds will start to recognize the pattern of food availability and become more comfortable with the area.
Remember, every bird is an individual, so it may take some time and persistence to see results. By understanding their behavior and providing an environment that they find safe and inviting, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the company of your feathered friends.