Backyard Habitat

Welcome

Regional Resources

Providing for the Needs of Wildlife

• Food from Plants
• Food from Bird Feeders
• Water
• Shelter and Places to Raise Young

Sustainable Gardening

• Remove Invasive Plants
• Reduce Lawn and Increase Habitat Quality
• Build Healthy Soil and Reduce Chemical Use
• Be Smart with Water

Pets and Your Backyard Habitat

Observing and Living with Wildlife

Backyard Habitat

Providing for the Needs of Wildlife: Food from Bird Feeders

When used properly, bird feeders can provide supplemental food when birds need it most: during the winter and early spring, when insects and plant food sources are scarce, and during nesting season, when birds have more hungry mouths to feed. Be sure to provide different kinds of seeds and nuts to attract a variety of birds.

Helpful Tips Before You Begin

• Supply and demand: Remember that bird feeders don’t do any good if they are not cleaned out and filled up as needed! In fact, a dirty feeder can quickly spread disease.
  
  
• Don’t go nuts: Avoid direct feeding of squirrels (by hand or from feeders) to decrease the possibility of conflict between humans and squirrels. See the tree squirrel section of the Living with Wildlife website from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for tips on keeping squirrels out of bird feeders, bird houses, or your house.
  
  

How to Use Bird Feeders

1. Choose your location: Just like with plants, location is everything. Try to choose a spot that is near shrubs or trees, is easy to get to for refilling, and is within sight so you can enjoy your backyard visitors. To discover more about bird feeder location, check out the Winter Bird Feeding guide from WDFW.
   
   
2. Choose your feeder and food: There are many different feeders to choose from—your choice depends on what kinds of birds you want to attract, your budget, and what kinds of seeds are readily available to you locally. Check out Seattle Audubon’s Backyard Bird Feeding brochure for information on the different types of food that attract different backyard birds. WDFW’s Winter Bird Feeding guide has information on the different types of feeders available. You can find bird feeders and seed at many local stores and specialty shops.
   
   
3. Install, fill, and maintain: Now that you have the perfect location and the perfect feeder, put them into action! The most important thing to keep in mind when providing food for birds is feeder maintenance. Dirty bird feeders can spread diseases among bird populations. Clean feeders at least once a month. National Audubon’s website provides great information on Feeder Maintenance and Hygiene and Safe Bird Feeding.
   
   
4. Enjoy! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your backyard visitors.
   
   

Next up: Water