Tips on Using Window Bird Feeders

Tips on Using Window Bird Feeders
Using window bird feeders provides an excellent, up close view of the feeding birds. It is one of the best ways to enhance your bird feeding experience. They are ideal for bird lovers who live in apartments buildings, or those who have restricted access outdoors. Here is some information you can use when buying a window bird feeder:

Feeder Types
Window bird feeders are normally made of clear plastic, allowing for an unhampered view of the feeding birds. They also come in a variety of sizes and generally come in two types: the windowsill feeders, and the feeders that you attach to the window.

The windowsill feeders come in a variety of forms. A type of windowsill feeder, called the solarium, sticks into your house through a window. This kind of feeder may usually require you to keep the window open. Other types of windowsill feeders can be secured outside a closed window. Some may also be attached to the outside of your window using tension poles. This type of windowsill feeder allows your windows to be completely closed.

The windowsill feeder can hold a relatively larger amount of seeds as compared to the on-window type of feeders, therefore attracting more birds. Two way mirror bird feeders prevent the feeding birds from seeing you and at the same time offer an unobstructed view of your little friends.

Feeders that you attach to the windows are generally smaller than the windowsill feeders. They may be attached to your windows using suction cups or Velcro. You can even attach several of this type of feeder to a single window, allowing for more birds to come in and feed. This type of window feeder also offers some kind of protection from squirrels since on-window bird feeders are typically difficult for the squirrels to reach.

Reminder! When buying a window bird feeder, always remember to check the dimensions of the bird feeder to make sure that it fits your exact conditions at home. Most windowsill types will fit a specific series of windowsill sizes and oftentimes require you to close the window for a secure attachment.

Placement
After you've decided on what window bird feeder to buy, you can now decide on where to mount your feeder. Here are a few tips to help you find the best spot for your feeder:
. The window should face an area that is attractive to birds;
. The feeder area should be easily viewed from inside the house, and;
. For trouble-free refilling, the bird feeder should be placed in an easy to reach area.

Reminder! The permanence of the suction cup mount might concern you. There is no need to worry. If the suction cups are properly mounted, your feeder should be secure. To do this, make sure that both the window and the suction cups are clean. Rinse them with warm water. You may also try coating the inside of your suction cups with a bit of oil or petroleum jelly to further improve the seal. You should also squeeze out the air bubbles after mounting your bird feeders to guarantee a firm seal.

Maintenance
All bird feeders should be cleaned regularly. Window feeders are generally easy to clean. You may just need to brush off the dirt or clean it with water and a gentle antibacterial detergent, to kill off harmful bacteria.

Crashing Birds?
Birds tend to crash into windows specially if the windows are too clear. Normally, the presence of a window bird feeder will decrease this but for added assurance that no birds will come crashing into your windows, here is a list of things you can do:
. Put up curtains or blinds inside your windows to reduce the reflection of the glass; or
. Use window decals, cut outs or decorative flags- anything to slow the birds down.

Pesky Critters
The squirrel is the bane of any bird feeder enthusiast. Squirrel access to your window bird feeders depend on the type of feeder you will use. If you use the smaller on-window bird feeders, you won't need to use squirrel barriers for bird feeders since this type of feeder is generally difficult for squirrels to reach. The window sill feeder is a different story. Windowsill feeders are just a variation of a tray feeder, which don't present any protection from squirrels at all. If there are low hanging branches around your windows, a windowsill feeder might not be appropriate; but if squirrels have no way of reaching your window, then a windowsill feeder might still be a good idea.

As a final note, don't be disappointed if no birds come to visit your bird feeder immediately. Just like any other type of feeder, birds need to get used to your feeding station before coming in regularly to eat. They also need to get used to seeing you around their feeding area. So just give it time, you'll have birds chirping away near your window soon enough.

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