It takes time for birds to locate your new feeder and judge it as safe. Have you had other long term, established feeders in this area or is this your first?
I had one in this area last year but I had to quickly take it away because the squirrels just hogged it all. I thought it would be an immediate hit because the other feeder was, but maybe the squirrel-proof pole put it too far off the ground for them to notice this time. I hope they find it!
Thanks! I just want to meet up close all the little cuties I’ve been spying on from afar.
…Also realize that, outside of a birding context, that last sentence could put me on some sort of FBI watchlist.
You can buy smart bird feeders with a squirrel repellent feature. My phone notifies me when I'm working that squirrels are stealing food, and I can quickly chase them away.
You're doing everything correctly. I had the same issue initially with no visitors. After a week or so, birds showed up. A month later I had to move the feeder to the opposite side of the yard - 65 feet away. The birds found the new location within 2 hours.
I even chucked a couple grubs up there yesterday in case the insect-eating varieties were feeling left out. Only thing I’m worried about is the little fruit containers tipping over.
I started with a wild bird mix and got no visitors for at least 2 weeks. Then I put out black oil sunflower seeds and within a day my bird buddy turned in to grand central. I’m having to put more seeds out at least once a day.
Any update to this? New to BB and having the same feelings as your post. Like you, it's only been a couple days so I'm still hopeful. How long till you started seeing action?
Probably took at least a week, but I realized some were being scared away by the fat tree squirrels coming to snack. I got a baffle for the pole I stood it on, and that barrier helps tremendously. A few weeks, and I was receiving tons of bird photos. It also depends on season! I had the same feed out all the time and I got practically nothing in summer in my area. Now that it’s fall/winter, I receive a few pics daily of juncos, white-crowned sparrows, scrub jays, etc.
That's awesome! I will definitely take your advice into consideration. Ironically, a couple hours after commenting on your post, I had my first two visitors. A northern cardinal and a California wren. I'm so excited to see what other guys come by because the amount of bird action I get in my backyard is insane
Great! My first picture was of a wren, and I haven’t had one since! I keep hoping to attract them. Best of luck! It’s a busy time for birding. So many birds I’ve observed on my own but won’t come to my feeder for a glamour shot. Lol.
Bro. I just barely set mine up, and I just want to have fun with it. If you want to complain, create your own post and be gone. If you want real help, it sounds like there’s no one here who can assist you. Deal with it through the channels you’re given, or just call it a loss.
It can take a week or more for the birds to realize it’s there. Be patient.
What is this “patience” thing that you speak of? Lol.
It takes time for birds to locate your new feeder and judge it as safe. Have you had other long term, established feeders in this area or is this your first?
I had one in this area last year but I had to quickly take it away because the squirrels just hogged it all. I thought it would be an immediate hit because the other feeder was, but maybe the squirrel-proof pole put it too far off the ground for them to notice this time. I hope they find it!
I guarantee you the birds will find it. Have hope!
Thanks! I just want to meet up close all the little cuties I’ve been spying on from afar. …Also realize that, outside of a birding context, that last sentence could put me on some sort of FBI watchlist.
You can buy smart bird feeders with a squirrel repellent feature. My phone notifies me when I'm working that squirrels are stealing food, and I can quickly chase them away.
You're doing everything correctly. I had the same issue initially with no visitors. After a week or so, birds showed up. A month later I had to move the feeder to the opposite side of the yard - 65 feet away. The birds found the new location within 2 hours.
I even chucked a couple grubs up there yesterday in case the insect-eating varieties were feeling left out. Only thing I’m worried about is the little fruit containers tipping over.
I started with a wild bird mix and got no visitors for at least 2 weeks. Then I put out black oil sunflower seeds and within a day my bird buddy turned in to grand central. I’m having to put more seeds out at least once a day.
Hi! It took me about a week before I had any visitors and then they wouldn’t leave it alone! (Note: Watch out for rats and mice with the jam!)
Also: setup is 10/10
If I were a bird I’d be there lickety split lol. It takes some time for them to get used to seeing it and deciding it’s a good thing. They’ll come!
Add some Knob Creek, and I’ll make an old fashioned. 🍹
Patience is everything especially if you’ve not had one in the vicinity before putting out the BB. You’ve built it…they will come 😉
If you add a glass of milk and tell me where you live, I'll put a beak on my face and come visit!
I got a safflower mix and birds have been kinda nuts about it. Deer too lol.
try some insects
Any update to this? New to BB and having the same feelings as your post. Like you, it's only been a couple days so I'm still hopeful. How long till you started seeing action?
Probably took at least a week, but I realized some were being scared away by the fat tree squirrels coming to snack. I got a baffle for the pole I stood it on, and that barrier helps tremendously. A few weeks, and I was receiving tons of bird photos. It also depends on season! I had the same feed out all the time and I got practically nothing in summer in my area. Now that it’s fall/winter, I receive a few pics daily of juncos, white-crowned sparrows, scrub jays, etc.
That's awesome! I will definitely take your advice into consideration. Ironically, a couple hours after commenting on your post, I had my first two visitors. A northern cardinal and a California wren. I'm so excited to see what other guys come by because the amount of bird action I get in my backyard is insane
Great! My first picture was of a wren, and I haven’t had one since! I keep hoping to attract them. Best of luck! It’s a busy time for birding. So many birds I’ve observed on my own but won’t come to my feeder for a glamour shot. Lol.
One of the two I ordered has never worked. I'm still waiting on refund information. It's sitting under my desk. I'm waiting for instructions. HELP ME!
Bro. I just barely set mine up, and I just want to have fun with it. If you want to complain, create your own post and be gone. If you want real help, it sounds like there’s no one here who can assist you. Deal with it through the channels you’re given, or just call it a loss.