8 Worst Places To Put A Feeder That Will Keep Birds From Visiting Your Yard

There is nothing quite as serene as watching birds flit about outside your window on a snowy winter day. They are truly mesmerizing, each species with its own interesting personality. That's why, if you enjoy watching your little feathered friends and you want them to keep coming to your yard, it's a great idea to entice them with a feeder. While there are many spots in your yard that are perfect for a bird feeder, there are some locations that will keep the birds away. You probably wouldn't frequent a restaurant where your meal is served in front of a leering tiger. How about dining near a driveway with constant noise and exhaust fumes? The same goes for many bird species (although some are less picky than others).

Birds choose feeding locations based on safety from predators, protection from the elements, reliable food sources, and overall quiet and comfort. When choosing a location for your feeder, these are the things you should keep in mind. When choosing bird feed, consider which species you want to attract, since there are some birds you don't want to see in your yard. Also, it's important to remember that it's not a good idea to hang hummingbird feeders near regular feeders, as they can get pretty territorial. All this being said, there are some locations you should definitely avoid placing feeders if you want to have frequent visits from your feathered friends.

One way to be sure birds won't want to visit your yard is by placing their bird feeder near a garage or driveway. Birds like calm, peaceful locations to rest and replenish, and this area of your home is anything but that. The noise from your vehicles coming and going, as well as the fumes, will make birds avoid the area and not choose it as a location to refuel. Car exhaust can also be harmful to birds. Choose a location that is peaceful and away from consistent vehicle traffic.

You might think placing a bird feeder near a tree or bush is a good idea because it can give birds a place to take cover. Unfortunately, it can also give predators an ideal hiding spot to launch an attack. Birds tend to avoid these areas because they are aware of the risks, especially if they know that there are cats around. It's better to aim for a more open location, where birds are able to see any threats and react quickly to get away.

As much as it is ideal to have a bird feeder near a window for enjoyment, it can be hazardous. There is nothing sadder than finding a bird that has flown into your window, and many die from it each year. You want to keep your feeder at least 20 feet away from any glass. This gives birds enough time to spot a window before flying into it. You can also place a feeder within 5 feet of the window, as they won't be able to build up enough speed to hurt themselves.

Windy, exposed locations aren't just rough on feeders; they're also unappealing and unsafe for birds. Birds won't want to frequent a feeder that is swinging in the wind, spilling seed on the ground, or getting pelted by rain or ice. They might get injured by the feeder or, if eating the seed that has spilled, get attacked by a predator. One of the best places to hang a bird feeder is in a location that has a natural wind and weather breaks.

Birds tend to be skittish little creatures and don't like to be around a lot of activity, especially when they are eating. That's why it's generally not a good idea to have their feeders in locations where people are coming and going. Birds like to have a peaceful location to eat because they are generally in a vulnerable position while doing so. They are more likely to frequent your yard if they know it's a reliably calm place to catch a bite.

You probably don't like the feeling of someone watching you while you eat — neither do birds. Although we know statues aren't real, birds don't, which can cause them to avoid the area altogether. While a statue might not be coming and going like other humans, birds may still consider them a threat. After all, we use scarecrows to keep birds out of our gardens, and they're kind of like statues. If you want birds to frequent your yard, it's time for the cherubs to make an exit.

Similar to other high-traffic spots, kids' play areas are not a good location for a bird feeder. Kids are awesome, but they can also be loud and make sudden moves — both of which birds tend to avoid. Not to mention, having a bird feeder near where kids play is not sanitary for the kids. Birds tend to make messes under their feeders, and kids tend not to notice things like that. The last thing you want is your child asking what the 'icky stuff' on their pants is.

In a similar vein to a kid's play area, placing a feeder near your dog's run or a catio isn't going to inspire birds to frequent your yard either. While your cat might find it entertaining, the birds won't. Birds will not find a feeder inviting if it is set up near your pet's hangout spot. Even if Fido just wants to slobber on it, birds can't tell the difference between a "certified good boy" and a real predator. Give the birds a space far away from your furry friends.