Home : Bird Feeding : Feeders for the Yardless

Twitter Updates

Feeders for the Yardless

By Melissa Mayntz

From the constant visits of different species to the territorial rivalries that develop between hungry chicks to the cheerful song of satisfied diners, bird feeders are a source of delight for millions of people. Choosing just the right feeder and how and where to place it are critical decisions that affect the feeder's success, but many bird watchers are thwarted in their attempt to entice different species to their doorstep because they live in apartments, dormitories, or condominiums where feeder placement options are limited.

Eager bird watchers need not despair, however, because with a bit of ingenuity it is possible to adapt any feeder to work without a yard and without causing a disruption to neighbors in close quarters.

Small Feeders for Small Spaces

Choosing the appropriate feeder is a crucial decision when creating a feeding station without a backyard. A small feeder may not hold as much seed, but neither will it overlap into a neighbor's patio, balcony, or deck. Also, a small feeder will not attract a large flock that may be deemed a nuisance.

Before choosing a feeder, visit local parks and walking trails to watch for different species, including finches, cardinals, sparrows, hummingbirds, etc. - species that are likely to visit feeders. This bird preview helps narrow the selection of appropriate feeders, ensuring that no time or money is wasted with a feeder that will not fit either the location or the local bird population. Knowing which species are most populous also helps bird lovers choose a feeder certain to attract avian friends; after all, small spaces usually do not have room for multiple feeders.

Self-contained bird feeders work best for small spaces because they do not require additional hooks, wires, or poles to be displayed. While every feeder will need some hardware to be hung, it is important that most of that equipment be supplied with the feeder because many small spaces do not have room for these extra hardware fixtures. Futhermore, the feeder should be equipped with a pan to catch debris to minimize any mess, and its aesthetic design should be unobtrusive so as not to be offensive to other residents.

Filling the Feeder

Choosing which seed to offer is another vital factor for feeder success without a large open area to attract birds. Because apartments, condominiums, dormitories, and other small space homes are typically found in urban areas, choose seed that will attract sparrows, finches, and other birds comfortable in an urban setting. The best seed to use initially is a general wild bird blend that includes a large amount of black-oil sunflower seeds. Once different visitors have been identified, the seed can be specialized to coordinate better with their dietary needs.

Housing Restrictions

It is possible to find just the right feeder and appropriate seed, only to be stymied by community regulations and restrictions. First, read your lease or homeowner's association paperwork to determine if guidelines for bird feeders are provided, and follow them closely when available. In most cases, however, community regulations do not address bird feeders and educated assumptions must be made.

When mounting a bird feeder in a limited space, take care not to damage the surrounding area - whether it is a railing, ceiling, fence, or other fixture. Instead of using nails and hooks, consider clamps or freestanding arrangements. If there is no conceivable way to mount the feeder, use a bucket of sand or cement to create a movable stand for an accessory pole.

Helping Birds and Humans Live Together

Where the bird feeder is positioned can make a great difference for the birds and for your human neighbors. Birds are less likely to frequent a feeder positioned near a high traffic or disruptive area, and electrical wiring, air conditioning units, and other equipment can be hazardous. At the same time, the feeder must be visible enough to be noticed by local birds. Keep feeders away from neighbors' windows, balconies, or doors to prevent any space ownership or noise conflicts, and bear in mind the radius that birds will toss seed from the feeder as they hunt for their favorite morsels. A complaint about seed shells or debris could result in a mandate to remove the feeder.

Whether it's an apartment community, dormitory complex, or condominium development, small spaces and nonexistent yards are not the friendliest locations for bird feeders. However, with the right feeder options, seed selection, and placement, every bird watcher can attract a variety of species to their own backyard - whether they actually have one or not.

Melissa Mayntz is a bird watcher and feeder from Utah.