Attaching a Bird Feeder to Your Window for Easy Birdwatching

Installing a window bird feeder is a great way to bring nature right to your home. Watching birds up close while they feed can be a delightful experience. With a window feeder, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy birdwatching.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of window-mounted bird feeders and give tips on choosing, installing, and maintaining one. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this fun way to watch wildlife!

Why Hang a Bird Feeder on Your Window?

Attaching a feeder directly to a window pane or sill offers some unique advantages over other feeder placement options

• Up close views – With a window feeder, birds are just inches away from you indoors. This allows for intimate, eye-level birdwatching you can’t get from other spots.

• Easy viewing – No need to crane your neck or use binoculars. Birds on a window feeder are simple to see and photograph.

• Deters pests – Feeders hung further from homes can attract squirrels and other critters. A window feeder minimizes this problem.

• Entertaining – Having constant avian activity and chatter right on your window is endlessly interesting. It’s like having a lively nature documentary playing out before you!

• Relaxing – There’s something uniquely calming and stress-relieving about watching songbirds eat just outside the glass. It’s an easy way to connect with nature.

Choose the Right Window Feeder

When it comes to selecting a window-mounted bird feeder, you have several options:

Suction Cup Feeders

These feeders attach via suction cups onto any window surface. They’re inexpensive, easy to install and remove, and great for renters or those who move frequently. However, suction can weaken over time, making the feeder prone to falling. Frequent reattachment is needed.

Popular suction cup window feeders include:

• Aspects Window Feeder – Made of weather-resistant polycarbonate, this feeder accommodates different seed types. It comes with reusable suction cups for a tight grip.

• Window Hummingbird Feeder – This colorful plastic feeder is specially designed for hummingbirds. The suction cups keep it fixed outside standard or storm windows.

• Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder – With patented chew-proof technology, this feeder deters squirrels while welcoming smaller birds. Flexible suction cups adhere tightly.

Clamp-On Feeders

These heavy-duty feeders attach via clamp or screw mounting onto the window frame or sill. They’re very secure, though they can potentially damage wood trim with extended use. Clamp-on feeders are ideal for fixed windows.

Some excellent clamp style choices:

• Perky-Pet Panorama Bird Feeder – This metal feeder offers rustic style. Adjustable clamps attach to any window securely while a rain guard keeps seed dry.

• Window Bird Feeder with Strong Suction Cups – As the name suggests, this basic plastic feeder combines both suction cups and metal clamps for extra stability. It’s easy to fill and clean.

• Brome Bird Care Window Feeder – An acrylic feeder that screws into window frames without marring them. Squirrel-proof clips keep the seed port closed to larger pests.

Recyclable/Repurposed Feeders

If you’re feeling crafty, you can create a makeshift window feeder by repurposing a plastic bottle or container. Cut a hole for birds to enter, add some perches, and attach it with suction cups or tape. Recyclable feeders are quirky, inexpensive, and earth-friendly.

Choose a Good Window Location

Where you place your window feeder matters. Here are some tips for picking the optimal window:

• Avoid high-traffic areas like walkways or patios, as these may startle feeding birds.

• East to southeast-facing windows see the most morning sunlight, attracting early birds.

• Westward windows get afternoon light and are best for evening viewing.

• Windows facing trees or other natural features give birds a safer feeling than those near walkways.

• Higher floors are better than low windows vulnerable to prowling cats.

• Picture windows work well, just add visual markers like decals so birds don’t accidentally fly into the glass.

Set up Your Window Feeder

Installation is a breeze for most window feeders. Just follow any product instructions and these general guidelines:

• Make sure the window surface is very clean and dry before attaching any suction cups or clamps.

• Apply suction cups carefully and press each one firmly to maximize grip.

• Position the feeder near eye level for easy viewing.

• Avoid placing the feeder where too much sunlight can overheat the seeds.

• For recyclable feeders without attachment accessories, bind it loosely with tape or cords so it hangs securely but birds can still enter.

Fill Your Feeder with Birdseed

Now for the fun part – choosing seeds! Here are common options:

• Black oil sunflower seeds – These are the top choice for many backyard birds. Their thin shells make for easy eating.

• Nyjer or thistle – Tiny nyjer seeds attract American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. Use fine mesh feeders like socks.

• Safflower – Cardinals, chickadees, and finches enjoy nutty safflower. Its bitter taste deters squirrels.

• Peanuts – Whole or chopped nuts appeal to woodpeckers, jays, and more. Go for unsalted when possible.

• Suet – High in fat, suet offers needed energy. Use suet-specific feeders to serve it.

• Mixed blends – Combination seeds like millet, corn, and oats draw diverse bird species.

Don’t overfill the feeder. Leave about an inch empty so rainwater can’t accumulate and soak the seeds. Freshen feeders every few days to avoid spoilage.

Maintain the Feeder

To keep your window feeder operating at peak performance:

• Check suction cups and clamps weekly. Reattach if needed.

• Remove droppings and other messes right away to avoid buildup.

• Take down feeder once a month for thorough cleaning with a water and vinegar solution.

• Discard wet seed promptly after rain or snow.

• Freshen nectar in hummingbird feeders every 2-3 days.

• Replace any cracked, damaged, or otherwise deteriorating parts of the feeder as needed.

Enjoy Your Window Wildlife Habitat

Once your window feeder is up and filled, sit back and watch your feathered friends arrive! Here are some fun activities:

• Keep a bird watching journal noting arrivals and habits. Identify regular visitors.

• Take lots of pictures and video. Window feeders offer prime bird photo ops.

• Supplement with other bird Magnetss like water drippers or night-lights.

• Invite kids or guests to birdwatch. It’s often someone’s very first exposure to ornithology.

• Share your experience on social media or contribute data to citizen science databases.

Installing a window bird feeder requires minimal effort but provides maximum enjoyment. This simple project converts any window into a front-row seat for birding right at home. So go ahead – attach a feeder outside your window today and see what fascinating feathered finds fly your way!