Using bird feeders to attract birds to photograph

8 years 6 months ago #453333 by digitalpimp
For the better part of a month, I have had 2 feeders setup with bird feed in them and the only thing I've been able to see eating what I left is a squirrel.  

Is there a trick or special time of the year birds will eat at a feeder?


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8 years 6 months ago #453365 by effron
Put up a platform feeder, near a small tree and a perch nearby. Use black oil sunflower seeds. You'll attract birds but will need to do something about squirrels or you will have dozens soon enough. I have my methods, maybe trapping and relocating would be fine with you....

Why so serious?
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8 years 6 months ago #453654 by Nancy Hait
What if you are using this and still no birds?  We have some feeders around the house as well and have not attracted any birds.  Something is eating the feed we leave as it's gone every few days.  We just haven't seen any birds.  My guess is squirrels or other tree critters.  


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8 years 6 months ago #453659 by foxX
I would set a trap and relocate whatever is taking the bird food & I've had good success with suet blocks but I did have to relocate a racoon after he broke the main bird feeder and stole the suet cage chain and all!



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8 years 6 months ago #453763 by effron
Don't be too sure it wasn't a bear that stole your suet cage. On the birds, they need to feel safe, so having a quick escape route nearby is important, like a nice Lilac tree (bush). A fresh source of water is also key. Some birds will only visit a feeder that's well off the ground (high). As stated previously, you must remove the squirrel problem. They will propagate and chew into your house if you allow it. I dispose of them a couple ways, but relocating them is costly. Cornell U (I believe) did a study, about half of Gray Squirrels returned when moved ten miles. A good plan is if you can put a large river between you and their new territory. Our local fish and game recommends shooting them as they are also disease carriers and they don't think its a good idea to help spread them. Don't take it too tough, when settlers arrived here from Europe, squirrel (not deer) was their main meat source. 
If you are going to attract birds (sucker) to your yard, its a total effort, not just putting out free food.....

Why so serious?
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8 years 6 months ago #453769 by foxX
Well said effron, my biggest issue was with raccoons. After relocating 4 of them ~15 miles down the road I've finally gotten some birds to show up. I haven't had any luck with humming birds for 2 years though. Tried different food, different feeders, everything with no luck. Any ideas?


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8 years 6 months ago #453807 by Screamin Scott
I've had no issues attracting any sort of birds. I normally have a tube feeder, a platform feeder & 2 hummingbird feeders out along with a small tree I cut down & put in an old Christmas tree holder so I can get images of the birds without a feeder in the frame. I also ave a birdbath set out in the yard. I get squirrels & chipmunks that raid the feeders. My dog has a doggie door & whenever he sees any, he books out & tries to run them down. Hasn't yet been successful though.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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