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The Hidden Downsides Of Window Bird Feeders
By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS
Window bird feeders attach to the outside with suction cups so bird lovers can see feathered friends up close. While they do come with benefits, they're also potentially harmful.
These feeders are not always sturdy enough to support larger birds, can attract pests like rodents, make birds more accessible to predators, and cause birds to injure themselves.
Windows are reflective, which can be confusing for birds. The animal may think it’s another bird, attack the glass, and hurt itself, especially if it repeatedly hits the window.
Pests like squirrels and mice may be attracted to window feeders because of the seeds that fall to the ground. If they climb onto the feeder, they can spread disease or break it.
Often, these feeders cannot hold the weight of a larger bird or several smaller birds at one time. Plus, since the feeders are lower to the ground, cats can prey upon the birds.
To safely use this type of feeder, clean your window and make it less reflective with a screen or decals. You can also place the feeder higher up to keep birds safe from predators.