SHOULD I PUT A BIRD FEEDER NEAR A BIRDHOUSE? IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER IN PLACING BIRD FEEDERS
Placing a bird feeder in your backyard is an excellent way to connect with nature. Not only does it provide birds with food, but it also makes a great source of natural pest control. However, are you wondering if placing a bird feeder near a birdhouse a good idea?
Bird lovers need to be extra mindful while placing a bird feeder on their lawns. University of Reading research shows that bird feeders can do more harm than good if they’re placed near a birdhouse.
What Does Research Show About Bird Feeder Placement?
The research shows that the bird feeders must be placed well away from birdhouses to help birds during the breeding season. A bird feeder placed near a birdhouse accidentally increases the chances of nest predation.
Many predators such as jays, magpies, and gray squirrels like to eat the eggs of small birds. Bird feeders located close to birdhouses attract these predators and allow them to explore birdhouses with nests.
The research also suggests that birdhouses near bird feeders are five times more likely to be raided by predators. The researchers of the University of Reading performed over 100 experiments. In each test, the researcher placed fake nests with eggs.
Some nests were empty, some had quail eggs, and some even had predator guards. Interestingly, only 10 percent of the nests near bird feeders could survive. On the other hand, 50 percent of the nests located away from bird feeders were not raided by predators.
How Much Distance between A Bird Feeder Near A BirdHouse is Ideal?
A professional ecologist, Professor Mark Fellowes from the University of Reading, suggests that you should place bird feeders well away from birdhouses. He also says that offering food that’s not or less attractive to predators is also effective.
According to the research, the ideal distance between a birdhouse and a bird feeder is 40 meters. There are also some other ways that you can use to protect birds.
Use Predator Guards
The results of experiments performed by the University of Reading show that some nests with predator guards were also raided by magpies and gray squirrels.
However, these guards reduce the total number of visits by predators significantly. It ensures that the bird feeders offer benefits to the bird species you want to feed instead of harming them.
Hang Bird Feeders High
Hanging bird feeders high is also important to keep birds safe from ground predators. It’s especially important for people who live in areas with a lot of rats, mice, and feral cats.
If you have a lot of squirrels in your outdoor area, consider using a special squirrel-proof bird feeder to keep them away.
Away from Windows
Not exactly related to birdhouses, but placing bird feeders away from windows can also help birds. Many species of small birds often attack windows when they see their reflections. These funny fellas might cause damage to your property, create a mess, or worst case, might hurt themselves if they do it repeatedly.
Therefore, placing a bird feeder at least 5 yards away from windows is advisable.
Now you know where to place your bird feeders, time to get to some bird feeding! Check out these no lard bird suet and summer bird suet recipes you can do at home.
