Why You Might Want To Start Bringing Your Bird Feeder Indoors At Night

If you've ever walked outside in the morning to find your bird feeder mysteriously emptied or even damaged, it's likely not daytime birds causing the issue. Raccoons, squirrels, and other nocturnal visitors — even bears — are often the real culprits. These critters are smart, persistent, and have an excellent sense of smell, so once they know there's an easy food source nearby, they'll keep coming back. Leaving your feeder out overnight becomes an open invitation to return guests who will gladly clean it out and leave a mess behind. And if your yard is small or lacks barriers like fences or motion lights, there's not much to stop them. In cases like these, removing the feeder each evening may be the most effective way to protect both the seed and the feeder itself.

Even if critters aren't the problem, there are other reasons to bring bird feeders inside at night. Excess moisture from dew or rain can cause seed to clump or spoil by morning, making it unsafe for birds to eat. Moldy seed is especially dangerous in warmer weather, when it can spread quickly through a feeder and affect any birds that stop by for a bite. To feed the birds in your backyard responsibly, a habit of nightly feeder removal is a small but important step that helps keep backyard birds healthy and keeps unwanted guests out of the picture. For many, it's simply the best option when critter access can't be limited.

There are additional concerns that may want to make you bring your bird feeder at night. Bird feeders embedded with the latest technology, such as built-in cameras or solar lights, are especially vulnerable to damage or malfunction when left out in the elements for too long. In instances like this, just taking a minute at dusk to bring everything indoors is a quick fix that saves money and helps protect your feeder, as well as the wildlife you're trying to support. Overall, keeping bird feeders indoors also makes it easier to inspect and refill them under proper lighting, ensuring they're clean and full of fresh food each morning.

But don't stop at just bird feeders. It can be helpful to bring in other bird-related items at night. If you're trying to attract more birds, it's worth thinking about the environment you're creating. Further, adding vibrant accents to your bird feeder can make a big difference, and the one color to instantly invite more hummingbirds to your garden is red. Bright red feeders, flowers, or even patio furniture can signal a safe spot for birds to land. You might also consider placement — you can attract more hummingbirds with an underrated garden accessory they love, like a gently swaying swing or perch placed near nectar-rich plants. Just remember, no matter how inviting your bird feeder setup is for your yard's feathered friends during the day, it's best to bring it all in after dark.