If you find yourself feeling soothed and less anxious when listening to birds singing, there is research to back up those feelings. Studies have found that birdsong can reduce anxiety and paranoia and improve mental well-being. That's why I was excited to set up a bird feeder in my own backyard.
To maximize visits from feathered friends to my feeder, I spoke with Tru Hubbard, an urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, to discover how I can safely and sustainably attract more birds so I can boost my mental health with their songs.
Where should you put your bird feeder?
Location, location, location -- it's not just a term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can affect the birds and other wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground.
Coverage and proximity to trees
Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from bushes and trees.
Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food," said Hubbard.
A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other animals. Raymond Gehman/Getty Images
Proper placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US.
Distance from windows
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