How do I get birds to use my new feeder?

The first-time buyer of a bird feeder may be rewarded when birds quickly flock to the feeder and feast. But it's not uncommon for a feeder to go unused for days or even weeks. Don't despair. Have patience. Here are some tips for attracting birds to a new feeder.

Place the feeder in a safe location, preferably one near trees, shrubs or other shelter. Most birds don't like feeding in the open where they can become prey to hawks.

Fill the feeder with quality bird seed. A mixture of black oil sunflower seed, sunflower chips, white millet and split peanuts is a good choice as a starter. They are among the foods most birds will eat. Keep in mind that the choice of seed and the type of feeder will influence how many and what kinds of birds you'll see.

Spread some seed on top of the feeder or on the ground beneath the feeder. This will draw the birds' attention to your feeder.

Keep squirrels away from the feeder. Use a squirrel baffle to make the feeder more available to birds.

If you don't see birds after several days, take a closer look at the seed levels in the feeder. They may be eating while you're at work or away.

Check the seed. If it's moldy, birds will not eat it. Mold can develop during humid or rainy weather. Discard the seed, clean the feeder and refill using fresh seed. Don't use seed that has been stored for months in a hot garage or damp basement. 

Sometimes bird use depends on the characteristics of the feeder. Is the feeder the right type for the birds that you'd like to see? 

There are basically three types of feeders: tube feeders, hopper feeders and tray feeders. Birds are most likely to spot tray feeders because the food is entirely in the open. Next comes hopper feeders, which have the advantage of offering some protection from the elements. Birds may not go to tube-style feeders immediately, but be patient. They'll give you some of the most enjoyable opportunities for bird watching.

Many people like to see cardinals visit their backyard. Who wouldn't? The flash of a red male cardinal brightens anyone's day. The cardinal is so popular that seven states have designated it as their state bird.

Cardinals will come to a tray or hopper feeder but they may be reluctant to use a tube-style feeder. Tube feeders have short perches. Cardinals have short necks and prefer to face their food. The solution? Try attaching extendable perches or a tray, or hanging a "Seed Hoop" from the feeder. One advantage to these accessories is that they catch 90 percent of the seed that falls from seed ports.

Goldfinches perching on Nyjer feeder

If you'd like like to see goldfinches, make sure to use a Nyjer feeder. These are tube-style feeders with tiny seed ports used especially for the tiny black Nyjer seed, which sometimes is called thistle. 

Bluebirds are another favorite bird. Keep in mind, though, that they prefer insects and mealworms over seed. Feeders are available specifically for mealworms. Some of these are designed to keep out larger birds such as starlings.

Many birds will visit any style of feeder. Among the popular birds that you're likely to see are chickadees, House Finches and sparrows.

It takes time for birds to become accustomed to a new feeder. For them, it's a new situation. Patience is essential but by taking proper steps to make the feeder attractive, you'll soon be enjoying the sights and sounds of backyard birds.