The Bird Feeder Placement Mistake Keeping Cardinals Away From Your Yard In Winter

Winter can bring numerous bird visitors into your yard, but if you don't see the quintessential winter bird, the cardinal, you may have made a big mistake with placing your bird feeder. A feeder left out in the open isn't ideal for cardinals and other birds that fear attacks from predators, especially in winter, when bare tree branches provide little cover. When attracting a diverse variety of birds to your yard, such as cardinals, you must remember it's not a universal approach. All birds differ in how high they like their feeders, as well as the types of locations they prefer them, and even what you feed them. By making a quick change to your feeder placement, you can entice cardinals all season long.

As a non-migratory bird, the Northern cardinal is a popular songbird to see in the winter months. The bright red and striking plumage of the male cardinal, in particular, is a welcome sight to many, especially on dreary winter days. Unlike other birds, cardinals aren't very picky about the exact type of feeder you offer and may often eat from the ground as well. The best type of bird feeder for cardinals is a stable unit with a perch. You should set up your feeder with all of their favorite foods, including safflower, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn, but don't make the "cardinal" mistake of putting your feeder in an unprotected area. Try following these tips for placement. 

If your feeder currently sits in an open spot without tree cover, strategically move it to a sheltered area to protect cardinals from nearby predators. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises keeping your feeders near evergreen pines, spruce, and juniper trees, so cardinals have a spot to rest after they eat. However, they also note that you shouldn't place feeders right up against the cover; instead, position them about 10 feet away so predators of cardinals, such as hawks, owls, and cats, can't hide. Another suggestion is to cluster tray feeders on your house's deck railing so the birds can access them even during snowy days, while still keeping a mindful eye for predators.

While thinking carefully about where you place your feeder is the best way to avoid these mistakes when trying to attract more cardinals to your yard, creating a sheltered environment with thick shrubs and evergreen trees can be beneficial, too. Look for densely foliated species, such as dogwoods (Cornus spp.) or sumac (Rhus spp.). Both are great choices for adding bushy foliage for shelter as well as tasty berries for the cardinals to supplement their diet. When you hang your feeder, make the right choices for cardinals, and they may linger for a while, returning throughout the winter to give you a bright flash of feathers through the grayer days.