By Paul Oliver, Founder of Urban Nature Store
One of the questions I hear regularly from backyard birders is, “Paul, I’ve bought a bird feeder and some good seed. Where should I put it?”
It’s a great question. You can invest in a beautiful feeder and premium birdseed, but if you put the feeder in the wrong location, you may find yourself watching an empty feeder while the birds enjoy your neighbour’s backyard instead!
The good news is that choosing the right location doesn't have to be complicated. With a little thought about bird safety, shelter, visibility and those ever-determined squirrels, you can create a welcoming feeding station for your feathered visitors.
Here are my recommendations for placing a bird feeder in your backyard, on a deck, in a small garden or even outside an apartment window.
1. Place Your Feeder Near Trees and Shrubs—but Not Too Close
Birds like having somewhere nearby to hide when danger appears. Trees and shrubs provide shelter from predators, resting places and convenient spots for birds to wait their turn at the feeder.
Ideally, position your feeder near natural cover, with roughly 10 to 12 feet between the feeder and suitable shrubs or trees as a starting point. Adjust this distance to suit your property and the birds visiting.
Why not hang the feeder directly in a dense bush? Because thick vegetation can provide hiding places for predators, including outdoor cats. Birds need somewhere to retreat, but they also need a reasonable view of their surroundings.
My advice: Look for a location that gives birds a clear approach to the feeder and nearby branches where they can perch while waiting for a turn.
If your yard has no mature trees, don't worry. A nearby shrub, small ornamental tree or thoughtfully planted native garden can help make the area more attractive to birds over time.
2. How Far Should a Bird Feeder Be from a Window?
This is one of the most important placement questions because window collisions can seriously injure or kill birds.
Birds may see reflections of trees and sky in glass, or mistake transparent glass for an open flight path. Unfortunately, they don't always recognize a window as an obstacle.
A useful rule of thumb is to place feeders either very close to the window—within about three feet—or well away from it, ideally 30 feet or more where space permits.
Why? Birds taking off from a nearby feeder generally have less opportunity to build up speed before reaching the glass. A feeder farther away gives birds more room to manoeuvre, but the longer flight path can also allow them to gain speed. The exact risk depends on the window, its reflections and the surrounding landscape.
Where possible, combine careful placement with visible window treatments designed to reduce collisions.
Urban Nature Store carries window collision deterrents, including:
Window Alerts, Window Gems or Wilderness Fred UV Decals or Anti Collision Window Decals.
Remember that a single decal in the middle of a large window may not be enough. Follow the product's instructions for spacing and coverage. These decals should be placed on the outside of the window.
3. How High Should a Bird Feeder Be?
For many common backyard feeders, around five feet above the ground is a practical starting point. This height makes feeders convenient to refill and helps keep them away from some ground-level disturbances.
However, there is no single perfect height for every feeder. Consider the birds you want to attract, the feeder design, nearby predators and how easily you can maintain it.
A feeder should be high enough to discourage casual interference but low enough for you to clean and refill safely. Don't put yourself at risk by climbing an unstable ladder to reach a feeder.
If squirrels are a problem, height alone won't solve it. Squirrels can climb poles, leap from branches and use fences or deck railings as launching points.
That brings me to one of my favourite backyard birding subjects: outsmarting squirrels. It's a challenge that keeps many of us humble!
4. Keep Squirrels Away with Smart Feeder Placement
If you've ever watched a squirrel perform an acrobatic leap onto your feeder, you know they are remarkably determined animals.
The key is to think about how a squirrel might reach the feeder, rather than simply how high it hangs.
For a pole-mounted feeder, aim to position it roughly 8 to 10 feet away from trees, fences, railings, roofs and other potential launching points where your property allows. Install an appropriate squirrel baffle on the pole, following the manufacturer's instructions.
A baffle creates a physical barrier that prevents squirrels from climbing up to the feeder. It won't help if a squirrel can simply jump down from an overhanging branch, so look at the entire feeding area.
Urban Nature Store offers several products to help including:
Audubon Torpedo Squirrel Baffle
28 inch Dome Topped Raccoon and Squirrel Baffle
If squirrels are particularly persistent, consider pairing good placement and a baffle with a squirrel-resistant feeder. You can choose from our selection of Brome Squirrel Buster Feeders.
5. Sun or Shade: Which Is Better?
Bird feeders generally do well in a location with some protection from harsh weather. Morning sun and afternoon shade can be a good arrangement, particularly during warmer months.
Direct sunlight throughout the day can heat seed and may accelerate spoilage, especially if moisture gets into the feeder. Heavy rain and strong winds can also make feeding uncomfortable for birds and cause seed to become damp.
Try to choose a spot that offers some shelter without placing the feeder in a dark, damp corner where seed and droppings are difficult to monitor.
A hanging weather guard can help protect certain feeder styles, such as open platform feeders, from rain and snow, but it doesn't eliminate the need to inspect the seed regularly. Weather guards we recommend include Bird’s Choice Weather Guard as well as Aspect’s Fancy Swirl Dome, and their Weather Dome.
In winter, a reasonably sheltered location can be especially helpful. Just make sure snow accumulation doesn't make the feeder difficult to access or interfere with a pole baffle.
6. Choose a Location Where You Can Actually Watch the Birds!
Let's be honest: part of the fun of feeding birds is watching them.
I recommend placing at least one feeder where you can see it comfortably from a kitchen window, living room or favourite chair. You'll enjoy watching chickadees, cardinals, finches and woodpeckers come and go—and you may spot seasonal visitors you would otherwise miss.
If you're working with a small yard, balcony or apartment, an Aspects Transparent Window Cafe, or the Droll Yankees Observer Window Feeder can bring birds remarkably close. Just remember that window feeders should be installed securely, kept clean and positioned. Check any building rules before installing a feeder, particularly in shared spaces. And don't forget maintenance. Choose a spot where you can reach the feeder easily to refill it, clean it and remove old or wet seed.
7. The Best Location Depends on Your Property
For a large backyard: Consider a sturdy Squirrel Stopper Pole System in an open area, with shrubs or trees nearby and enough distance from squirrel launching points.
For a small suburban yard: A pole-mounted feeder, such as the Arundale Sky Cafe with a 16 inch Dome Top Squirrel Baffle will work well. Keep it away from fences and deck railings that squirrels can use to jump across.
For a deck or patio: Use a secure 12 or 18 inch Curved Up Bracket or a suitable freestanding feeder station. Keep walkways clear and clean up spilled seed regularly.
For an apartment or condominium: A properly secured window feeder may be an option, provided your building rules permit it. Pay particular attention to window-collision prevention.
For a windy or exposed property: Look for a more sheltered location and consider a Hanging Weather Guard compatible with your feeder.
My Final Advice
There is no magic spot that works for every backyard, but a few simple principles will help: place feeders where you can maintain and enjoy them, provide nearby shelter, reduce window-collision risks and keep feeders out of easy reach of squirrels.
Start with one feeder, watch what happens and make adjustments. You may discover that moving a feeder just a few feet can make a difference to the birds that visit, or help to deter squirrels.
At Urban Nature Store, we're here to help you make the most of your backyard birding experience.
Happy birding,
Paul Oliver
Founder, Urban Nature Store
