Help me with my feeder? (1 Viewer)

[Intjmastermind]

I recently moved into a new apartment, and I'd like to attract some birds to my window. Unfortunately, my only window opens up to an alley between two buildings, not the most optimal location for birding. However, I did notice a couple of birds poking around a few times, so I decided to get a bird feeder and bird bath and see what happens.

However, after leaving it up for a week, it doesn't seem like it's being used. I've tried leaving piles of seed on the ground beneath the feeder, and it appears they're getting eaten quite readily. They're black oil sunflower seeds, and whoever eating them is shelling them neatly and leaving the shells behind. So I guess that proves that birds know my feeder exists? But could these be squirrels instead? I just added the sticks to my birdbath this evening, hoping that it would make it more accessible to the birds.

I've attached a few pictures of my feeder, maybe someone can give me some advice? In case it matters, I live in Los Angeles, CA.

 

[etudiant]

Hi Intjmastermind,
You're fighting an uphill battle with a feeder in LA. Without hard frosts and snow, birds don't get desperate for food like they do here in the North East. My guess is that you're on the right track though with the water feature. Birds love water, especially if it is moving. Even a leaky can dripping into your birdbath would help, although a mister is best.
Separately, I don't know about LA, but here in NYC it is too easy to attract thin tail squirrels, (aka rats,) with sunflower seed on the ground. You can find out who is eating your seeds by just dusting the area with chalk. Paw prints with tailmarks are easily distinguished from bird footprints.

 

[Intjmastermind]

Well it appears it was likely a pair of squirrils eating the seed beneath the feeder. Saw them from my window today. Luckily it seems they can't make it up to the feeder itself.

How long does it usually take to attract birds to a feeder?

 

[etudiant]

Feeders are erratic at best. Nobody knows why, or how to make it happen.
It can take weeks or you can get visitors within the hour.
Imho, water is your best bet. You have plenty of trees around, so birds can come close safely.
If your fellow tenants/landlord allow, use a mister, it uses very little water, maybe a couple of gallons/day and is the easiest way to bring in birds in warm, dry climates.
Your only negative is that you're not very visible in the alley, so you know it will take a while for the birds to spot your spa.

 

[Intjmastermind]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try to set up a dripper.

I also read that putting some aluminum foil around the feeder will help attract the curiosity of birds. Any experience with that?

 

[etudiant]

Aluminum foil is a new technique for me. I'd have thought that it might have a scarecrow effect.
However, if it works, wonderful!
Please keep us in the loop, because it would a cheap and very easy way to attract birds if it works.

 

[Kits]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try to set up a dripper.

I also read that putting some aluminum foil around the feeder will help attract the curiosity of birds. Any experience with that?

The only time I have heard of aluminium foil being used is when it is cut into strips and hung to deter birds from vegetable gardens. I have never heard of it being used to attract them.

Is there a lot of movement near the windows which are by the feeder or on the stairs? That might put the birds off somewhat if there is.

It can take a couple of weeks for birds to realise there is a new café in town, so patience is needed.

Let us know how it goes. :t:

 

[Intjmastermind]

Actually I'm not home at all during the day, so no. There's also very very little traffic in that alleyway or on the stairs. Most days the only person there is me when I go to fill the bird bath. When I'm home, I try to keep the blinds half-closed so as to not scare them off.

How often should I be changing the seed, assuming it doesn't get wet or anything?

 

[Intjmastermind]

Update: Used a clear plastic cup to make a dripper and added some tin foil at the top of the feeder to help attract attention. I noticed that when viewing from the street, the dark green feeder and bath blend in with the trees behind it. So hopefully this will get some more attention.

 

[Intjmastermind]

Good news! I've been getting a lot of visitors in the past couple of days. It seems the birds needed about 1.5 weeks to find my feeder, and they've been visiting pretty regularly since then.

Here's a photo of a common sparrow grabbing some dinner.

Question though: the birds seem to be selecting the seeds I put in the tray at the bottom of the feeder, and ignoring the posts / feeder holes on the side. Is this just them being lazy and getting the easy food? Or do you think the holes are too small?

 

[delia todd]

LOL they found your feeder about 2 months quicker than my window feeder! Trust the Sparrows to get there first.

Basically sparrows are ground feeders, so I think they're likely to feel more comfortable eating from the tray.

D

 

[Kits]

Oh well done! I am glad you are getting visitors. I am sure the holes will be the correct size as it is a bought feeder, and that you will get birds who like to feed from the perches soon enough, as well as having the ground feeding sparrows. Thanks for the update.

 

[catbasket]

Good news! I've been getting a lot of visitors in the past couple of days.

Congratulations! Nice to see a bit of perseverance pay off.

 

[Hyrax]

When I visited my friends in the Costa Mesa area of LA they had a hummingbird feeder up on their balcony which got half hourly visits from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, well worth the effort if you can draw them in.

 

[Intjmastermind]

Update! This afternoon I counted about a half dozen sparrows and about 2-3 mourning doves around the feeder at once.

 

[squidge]

Excellent, great idea about the dripping water.:t: Ger.

 

[Kits]

Good to hear it is still going well. :t: