According to Chris Wells, president of the Valley Forge Audubon Society in Eagleville, Pennsylvania, the ideal bird feeder is quick to assemble, sturdy enough to endure bad weather and squirrels, and tight enough to keep your feed dry. But Wells notes that the most important aspect of a feeder is making sure it’s easy to clean. Matt Igleski, executive director of the Chicago Bird Alliance, echoes this sentiment: “A good scrubbing at least once a week with soap and water is recommended.”
If you’re interested in attracting a variety of birds, Wells and Igleski both suggest trying a variety of feeders. You may also want to give your birds a place to drink and rinse, according to Ben Nickley, executive director of the Berkshire Bird Observatory in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
“A bird bath is also a great way to bring birds in — including some insectivorous birds that don’t typically come down from the canopy,” Nickley told us.
Wells, Igleski, Nickley, and Elise Greenberg, organizers of Philly Queer Birders in Philadelphia, also suggest bringing native plants, shrubs. and flowers into your outdoor space. Some of these plants may produce berries or seeds that birds can eat, while others invite native bugs, insects, and other pollinators.
