
The National Bird-Feeding Society (NBFS) developed tips to enhance the bird feeding experience.
1 - Place bird feeders in locations where they can readily be seen through a viewing window.
2 - Start with a basic bird feeding set-up: tubular feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seed.
3 - Add other types of bird seeds and feeders such as Nyjer® in a Nyjer® feeder, and hopper or platform feeders filled with black-oil sunflower, sunflower hearts, and whole peanuts.
4 - Alternative foods such as suet, fruit, insects, and nectar, as well as water, may also attract additional species of birds.
5 - Each season of the year, there may be a different suite of species visiting your yard. These bird species may have different bird food and feeder preferences.
6 - In addition to bird seed and feeders, provide birds with habitat, water, and bird houses.
7 - Keep your birds safe by protecting them from cats and bird-window collisions, and regularly clean your feeders.
8 - To learn more about birds visiting your yard, use the tools of a birdwatcher: binoculars and a field guide.
9 - There are birds you can’t see in your yard. To see these birds, take a trip to your local, state, and national parks and explore your natural areas.