Bird feeders are more useful when they can be found by birds in a quiet yet convenient area that offers year round untroubled access. Bad weather can easily make the owners reluctant to refill their bird feeders. However, it should be noted that this is the time when the birds need it the most.

Natural cover such as trees and shrubs should be located relatively near bird feeders. These will serve as shelters for birds to hide them from predators while they are waiting for their turn to feed. Evergreens make a particularly good choice as they provide excellent cover year round. The distance between the bird feeders and the shelter being offered should not be too far that the birds will not have the chance to hide from their predators nor too near for predators to use it as a jump-off point to catch the birds. Squirrels and cats will try to use these trees and other structures, natural or man-made, to try to get to a bird feeder. The ideal distance would be about 4 yards from any tree or structure.

Bird enthusiasts should never fail to consider the “mess” factor in choosing where to place their bird feeders. There are bound to be feathers, seed shells and droppings of birds to contend with in the area. It is best to select a location where clean-up is not an issue.

In choosing the location wherein to place a bird feeder, the safety of the invited birds is a primary consideration. If effort is exerted to protect them from predators, then the same effort should be given in ensuring that one’s backyard or whatever place is chosen, is free from environmental hazards. Herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers can be deadly for birds. Ornithologists have confirmed that many lawn-care chemicals kill songbirds and contaminate their food. The proper authorities can be consulted about integrated pest management, biological and chemical pest control safety and pest-resistant plant varieties.

The feeding station made up of several bird feeders can be just one component in the over-all artificial habitat offered to wild birds. This habitat almost always ends up being located in people’s backyard since they have the most suitable environment compared to the other areas of people’s homes. Real bird enthusiasts can modify their backyards to be more attractive to the birds. While the food in the bird feeders offers the initial attraction, the totality of the area will determine whether they would be regular visitors or not.

People should provide natural food sources aside from bird feeders. Various birds eat insects, nectar, fruit, berries, nuts and seeds. Bird feeders are now able to offer more to birds due to advances made in their design. Specialized bird feeders have been produced to accommodate those who would not normally approach a regular tray or platform feeder. Newer designs have also been developed for the standard, reliable ones to ensure that bird feeding is maximized. Placing various types of bird feeders in a backyard will attract more varieties of birds.

Providing water sources is as important as the availability of food sources. This could take the form of bird baths, ponds, streams, misters, drippers or just regular pans of water, all of which serve the same purpose. However, the bird feeder should not be placed near bird baths as birds do not usually prefer bathing in a place where there is so much activity. Various types of birds feeding in bird feeders definitely constitute a lot of activity.

The correct placement of bird feeders is never definite. It is determined by the prevailing environment and the limitations of reality with regards to space. A true bird lover will not let these limitations prevent him/her from putting up bird feeders.