Feeding Stations
Groups of Feeders

At the risk of sounding flippant or obvious, a feeding station is where birds come to - you guessed it - get food. A feeding station can be a single place or feeder well away from any other feeders or a group of similar or disparate feeders containing different foods designed to appeal to a variety of birds. There is no 'right or wrong' combination of feeders, but often a certain combination of feeders, food and location work best together, especially if the goal is to attract a specific bird species or to try and limit or exclude a specific species from the area. Experimentation and monitoring of who is visiting will provide the needed feedback.

Location

• Near some shrubs or brush piles for protection (can also strap tree branches to feeder posts)
• Source of nearby water
• To avoid clutter look: keep feeders together; on multi-branched feeder poles; or keep posts similar; vary the height of feeders for interest
• Use any combination of hopper feeders, tube feeders, open platforms, nyjer sacks and suet holders
• Should be convenient to seed storage area; don't buy too much seed because of potential spoilage; keep extra seed in tight containers with secure lids
• Keep area around outside of station open to allow visibility of predators
• Feeders should be very close to windows or at least 15 feet away to prevent panic and window strikes
• Place in convenient area for viewing the fun

Components

• Start small; keep expenses to a minimum (expect future cost of seeds in addition to initial price of commercial feeders); and consider time needed for filling and cleaning feeders
• Use any combination of hopper feeders, tube feeders, open platforms, nyjer sacks and suet holders
• Most popular seeds: sunflower, general mix, peanut products, nyjer and suet
• Add some variety to see what you and the birds like best

Size

• Larger areas can include berry bushes, small fruit trees, and flowers;  garden items are decorative and can serve as perching spots for birds (great for photos); benches bring people out to enjoy nature too; can add fountains and small ponds to attract more birds
• Smaller areas (balconies, decks and tiny gardens) can still support a few bird feeders; should probably only use seeds with no messy shells
• Portable feeding stations (such as a cart or wagon) can contain several feeders, protection with branches, and bowls of water; can be moved to refill, and to mow or shovel;  for protection from weather and for photo opportunities

Predators

• Try squirrel-proof feeders (some work better than others)
• Offering corn and such in areas away from the main feeding station  for larger birds and small critters
• Keep cats inside
• Pole covers and shields might keep some animals off the feeders