Question: I bought a brand new bird feeder a couple of weeks ago. I filled it with seed and hung it in a tree right away but haven't seen a single bird use it yet. I'm starting to lose my patience. How long does is normally take for birds to find a new feeder?
Answer: As you have already learned from your experience so far, birds do not always frequent a new bird feeder immediately. This is a very important point to consider when starting the wonderful hobby of watching birds or even if your adding a new bird feeding station to your collection. The fact is that it is not uncommon, even for people who feed birds on a regular basis, to have periods when birds seem to be totally uninterested in the food set out for them. The best action I can suggest for you is to do a little step-by-step trouble shooting to cover the basics of bird feeding and to make yourself aware of any potential situation that may be hindering the birds coming to your feeders. First on the list should be making sure that you have the right bird feeder, bird food, and habitat necessary to attract the type of birds your looking for. Remember that new habitats may take some getting use to by the birds. HAVE PATIENCE! Next consider the possibility that it may be the wrong season. Often in the summer, fall and early winter months there is an abundance of weed and flower seeds, berries, and other foods to satisfy their needs. Then, there is always the possibility that it may be the wrong time of day. That is to say, you may not be looking at the feeder at the right time. I think it is safe to say that none of us watch our feeders all the time. Birds will sometimes arrive and feed just before daybreak or just at dusk. Sometimes it may be necessary to change your schedule in order to watch the birds feed. Birds will also change their feeding behavior very rapidly according to temperature, weather, the time of year, and also the time of day. It sometimes may take very inclement weather conditions to spur action at your feeder. Some bird species are even known to only frequent bird feeders on years when certain wild foods become very scarce, such as the Evening Grosbeak. Goldfinches and Purple finches on the other hand are known to appear erratically at feeders and my wander widely during the winter. And here is a point that most bird enthusiast would rather not consider. Perhaps your next-door neighbor has established a much more inviting environment for the birds. Remember birds will feed were they feel most comfortable and safe. Which leads me to another important point. Birds need and search out areas with trees, shrubs and grasses that afford them places for nesting, protection, and food. Most people are very surprised at what a few simple plantings can do for attracting birds to their feeders. Researching these possibilities can be very helpful and may shed some light on potential problems. Above all though, when you are satisfied that all barriers to the birds have been removed, the best thing you can do is set back, relax, and let nature take its course. The birds will eventually find your feeder!
