![Close-up of a European robin [Erithacus rubecula] standing in a metal bird feeder in a household garden with wooden trellis in t](https://www.allforgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6844290.jpg "Close-up of a European robin [Erithacus rubecula] standing in a metal bird feeder in a household garden with wooden trellis in t")
Attract more birds and fewer pests to your garden by moving bird feeder to 1 simple area (Image: © Jackie Bale via Getty Images)
It is now spring, and nesting season started in March; numerous nature lovers will be preparing to assist their local birds. One practical way of aiding birds throughout this period is by setting up bird feeders.
During this time of year, natural food sources become limited, so providing treats like nuts, seeds and suet can offer birds an essential energy boost. Once you’ve purchased a bird feeder, determining the perfect location to place it can be challenging. Where you position them dictates not only whether garden birds will utilise them, but also which species you’ll entice.
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Position your bird feeder a couple of feet away from the window at most (Image: Evgeniia Siiankovskaia via Getty Images)
To guarantee birds stay protected while feeding, experts at retailer Really Wild Bird Food recommend positioning your feeder near to natural cover, such as trees or bushes, within reasonable sight of a window.
They explained: “This will keep them hidden from predators and sheltered from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.”
Nevertheless, avoid placing your feeders directly next to trees. This makes it considerably easier for squirrels and other neighbourhood creatures to steal your bird food.
You might assume that situating your bird feeder close to a window is inadvisable; understandably, you’d wish to stop birds from accidentally striking the glass and injuring themselves.
In fact, positioning bird feeders further away from your windows can actually prove more hazardous, as it gives birds sufficient distance to gather speed before colliding with the glass.
The experts advised: “For this reason, we recommend positioning your bird feeder a couple of feet away from the window at most.
Place bird feeders near a natural shelter, such as trees or bushes, that isn’t too far from a window (Image: CBCK-Christine via Getty Images)
“That way, if a bird takes off in the direction of your windows or glass doors, it won’t be flying fast enough to cause serious injury. Better still, place your feeder directly on the window or windowsill.”
Specialists recommend mounting your bird feeder approximately five feet above the ground.
his particular height makes it both convenient to replenish and maintain, while simultaneously deterring pets and other creatures from stealing your bird food.
Should certain species fail to appear at your feeder, it may be worth experimenting with the height or introducing additional feeders at varying distances from the ground.
Woodpeckers, for example, prefer to feed high up amongst the trees, meaning a feeder suspended at six to 10 feet above ground level could help attract them.
Other species, including blackbirds, robins and chaffinches, favour eating from ground feeders.
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