Perhaps you have decided to try feeding birds.
You've bought a small bag of bird seed.
Now you wonder. Which bird feeder should I buy. Many of them are very expensive. Do I even need a bird feeder?
Can I just throw bird seed out on the ground in my yard?
Yes, you can throw bird seed out on the ground. Many birds will eat seed on the ground. But it could become messy, attract pests, and harm the birds if not done with some planning and forethought. This article tells you how to properly set up a ground feeder for birds.
 |
White-crowned Sparrow
Photo by Greg Gillson |
Why feed birds seeds on the ground?
Tossing bird seed on the ground to feed birds is both simple and inexpensive.
You don't have to buy a bird feeder to feed birds on the ground. You don't have to figure out how to hang a bird feeder or put it on a pole. It is so easy to get started!
Many birds prefer feeding on the ground. In nature, seeds frequently fall from the flower to the ground. Birds are used to looking on the ground for food. Thus several kinds of birds actually prefer feeding on the ground.
Widespread backyard birds in the United States that frequently feed on the ground include: Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, Mourning Doves, White-crowned Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Towhees, California Quail, Northern Cardinals, Bobwhite, Brown Thrashers, Song Sparrows, House Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, and many more.
There are also birds that don't like to feed on the ground, but prefer something higher. That usually includes finches, chickadees, and nuthatches. They will feed on the ground sometimes, but prefer higher feeders, if given the choice.
|
Mourning Dove
Photo by Greg Gillson |
Some potential problems with just throwing bird seed on the ground
There are some things to take into consideration when feeding birds on the ground.
Messy bird seed
Bird seed just tossed on the ground can be messy. Bird seed on the ground can get scattered around. Birds don't eat the outer shells of bird seed. They crack open the two halves of the hull and eat the kernel inside. The hulls drop out the side of their bill onto the ground (I want to say they "spit out" the shells, but bird's don't spit).
Many ground feeding seed eaters like sparrows and towhees "kick" the ground with both feet. This scratches up the soil and turns over leaves to reveal seeds. They even do this when on a feeder. Either way, seeds and shells sometimes get kicked quite a distance.
If the seeds are not found and the kernels inside eaten, they may sprout. Bird seeds deemed possible pests are killed so they don't sprout. But many bird seeds will.
Other seeds may mold if wet, especially on the ground.
Of course, this can happen with a bird feeder, too. But often, a bird feeder will control and confine the messy area.
Rats, cats, and other pests
Yes, rats may climb a pole to eat bird seed in a feeder. But it is so much easier for them to become a nuisance if the seed is in easy reach on the ground. The same can be said for mice, raccoons, opossums, and insect pests.
To reduce these pest problems, don't let seed sit on the ground over night. Feed only what birds will eat in a day. This can be hard when seeds are on the ground where they can hide from birds.
For this rat and pest reason, don't feed birds bread or meat scraps. Especially don't let these items remain overnight. Otherwise these pests are going to make their way into your home.
When birds feed on the ground they are easier prey for cats. Cats like to hide, crouch, and pounce. When feeding birds on the ground, keep seeds away from hiding places for cats. Any small bushes or other places where cats can hide should be at least 10 feet away from bird seed on the ground. Then they birds will see the cat before it pounces.
|
Dark-eyed Junco
Photo by Greg Gillson |
Where to place bird seed on the ground
There are some good places to put seed on the ground. Bare soil is perhaps the most obvious. Especially if the ground is frozen, the seeds will be highly visible to the birds. When it thaws, the seeds will eventually mold if not eaten. But, on the other hand, it will stick to the mud and all be located in a smaller area. It should be easier to clean up.
Some people throw out a handful of seeds on top of a crust of snow. The seeds will be available for as long as the snow doesn't melt. If it melts and refreezes, then the birds may see it through a layer of ice, but not be able to get to it.
Cement sidewalks and patios make bird seed highly visible and accessible. Such locations make it very easy for the birds to eat the seed. One caution, though. The seeds may create a slip hazard. The hard round seeds can roll under foot. Or decomposing shells and bird droppings can make the walkway slippery.
If snow is regular in you yard, you might place seed on the ground under a patio table. The table can prevent a build up of snow over the seed.
It is probably not a good idea to throw bird seed into gravel or lawn areas. The seeds will become lost from the birds and will likely sprout up in the spring.
A major factor to consider when feeding birds, is seeing them from inside your home. This is true especially for feeding birds on the ground. They'll be harder to spot on the ground. So you'll want a clear and unobstructed view from a large window in your home. Then you can really enjoy them! Bird feeder placement, even if the feeder is on the ground, is very important.
|
Spotted Towhee
Photo by Greg Gillson |
Low platform feeders
Until this point I have stayed away from bird feeders and seed containers. But, as we've discussed above, some of the mess and placement of bird seed is better with at least some kind of bird feeder. Bird feeders don't have to be complicated or expensive.
A simple saucer or bowl or pie tin can be used as a bird feeder on the ground. As long as the weather is dry (above or below freezing) the seed will remain edible. These are perfect for your deck or railing or fence post, too.
A simple ground level bird feeder you could buy is a screened floor in a frame on very short legs. The screened bottom allows air to circulate under the food and help dry it out so it doesn't go bad as fast.
Broad platform feeders like this provide plenty of room for ground feeding sparrows and other birds to find food. Platform feeders allow the most variety of birds to eat.
But to keep the seed dry you might want one with a roof. Okay, now you're not just throwing birdseed on the ground anymore. Now it is not simple or inexpensive!
But birds will love it and the seed will keep better. This would be perfect in the snow. Click this link to go to Amazon to look at other ground level platform bird feeders.
What type of seeds do you feed to birds on the ground?
Most of the other articles on this site steer you away from the cheap mixed bird seed and toward black oil sunflower seed, presented in a tube feeder for red finches, goldfinches, chickadees, and nuthatches.
The exception is the ground-feeding birds. Juncos and Quail and Mourning Doves and House Sparrows do like red milo and cracked corn. White proso millet and black oil sunflower seeds are liked by most birds. These items make up the bulk of the seeds in cheaper mixed seed. Milo is the cheap filler--perfect if you're just tossing it on the ground! (joking)
There is also seed made into large blocks, held together with molasses and gelatin often called quail blocks or smaller seed cakes.
These can sit out in the open on the ground or on a stump, fence post, or platform. They may last weeks unless the racoons visit and drag it off.
The blocks usually contain cracked corn, wheat, and milo or other seeds most songbirds don't like. So these are more appropriate for quail, doves, and blackbirds.See here on Amazon.
The Mr. Bird Wild Bird Feast cylinder has no filler. Instead, pecans, black oil sunflower, sunflower chips, and white proso millet. All your backyard birds should love this! (Amazon affiliate link)
That's it then. If you don't mind the mess, then it's okay to throw bird seed on the ground to feed birds. But it you want to really attract ground feeding birds, you should consider a platform feeder, whether home made or commercial.
You may like some of my other articles:
Kinds of bird feeders(and the birds that like them best)
7 Secrets to feeding birds cheaply
FAQs
There are a few reasons why seed will fall on the floor. Birds will dig in to find the food they prefer and in doing this, they will dislodge any other seeds which are in the way, so that they fall out of the feeder. It may also be the quality of the seed you are feeding them.
Is it OK to put bird seed on concrete? ›
One bird expert recommends putting feeders at places where you have concrete pavers below. Granted, you don't want it directly above your patio or outdoor kitchen/dining area, but you may want to place it at another location where it's paved and easy to clean.
Will spilled bird seed grow? ›
Birds really love nuts and seeds but the downside to putting these out is that spilled seed can sprout and start growing where we don't want it to.
How should I dispose of old bird seed? ›
You can also take it to an area where you know there to be sparrows, doves and cardinals, which all consume the millet according to this article (which has some good ideas about DIY seed mixes. If neither of these interest you, you can just put it in the compost bin.
When should you not put out bird seed? ›
Should I feed birds year-round? It's not necessary. Bird feeding is most helpful at times of when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted. Most birds don't need your help in the summer.
Does fallen bird seed attract rats? ›
Bird seed easily spills out of feeders onto the ground, and it is impossible to remove all of it. Rats are good climbers and frequently access bird feeders hanging in trees. Rats are attracted to bird seed and will return often for this favorite food.
Does fallen bird seed attract mice? ›
Done correctly, bird feeding will not attract rats. However, if there are rats or mice in your yard, then an unguarded source of birdseed can make them undesirably jubilant and visible.
Does rain ruin bird seed? ›
When birdseed gets wet, the seeds may begin germinating and sprouting. Birds will not eat sprouted seed, so the seed not only goes to waste, but it may be tossed from the feeder where it will sprout in the lawn. This causes unsightly growths and disrupts the flowerbeds, turf, and gardens where bird feeders are hung.
Can you leave bird seed out in the rain? ›
The easiest way to protect your seeders and feed is to move them to shelter when it rains, if possible. Feeders that are on poles or stands should be placed under an awning, covered porch, or patio.
Will wild birds eat old bird seed? ›
Say No to Spoiled Birdseed
Birds may not be picky eaters, but spoiled birdseed can be unhealthy and unappetizing. Not only will bad birdseed be less nutritionally wholesome for birds, but also if the seed is contaminated with mold, feces, fungus, chemicals or other substances, it can actually be fatal to birds.
In the open and safe - with a good all round view so that the birds can see they are safe from predators while they feed. The table should be safely away from cat ambush sites. These include fences and trees from which cats can leap and dense bushes in which they can hide.
Can you scatter bird seed? ›
Yes, you can throw bird seed out on the ground. Many birds will eat seed on the ground. But it could become messy, attract pests, and harm the birds if not done with some planning and forethought.
Do wild birds recognize humans who feed them? ›
New research suggests that some birds may know who their human friends are, as they are able to recognize people's faces and differentiate between human voices. Being able to identify a friend or potential foe could be key to the bird's ability to survive.
Why you shouldn't feed birds? ›
Yet emerging evidence suggests that feeding wild birds poses risks. Bird feeders can fuel the spread of avian diseases, alter migratory behavior, help invasive species outcompete natives and give predators, including free-roaming neighborhood cats, easy access to birds and their nestlings.
Do birds tell each other where food is? ›
There are also contact calls, which birds can use to talk to each other when foraging for food. So I would say yes, birds do talk and communicate where food is, in their own way.
Can bird seed attract snakes? ›
Birds are messy eaters and often leave seed scattered below the feeder. Seed on the ground attracts rodents, which may also attract snakes seeking a meal. Store bird seed in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid.
What animals eat bird seed at night? ›
One quick and easy solution to keep raccoons from eating seed intended for your backyard birds is to put out only as much seed as the birds will eat by nightfall. Raccoons forage at night, so they'll miss the free lunch you're providing.
How do I stop my neighbor from feeding birds? ›
Talk to your neighbour
If the birds' presence is not an issue for you, suggest to your neighbour they attract birds to their garden in other ways: Plant locally native shrubs to encourage nectar-feeding birds. Provide a sheltered bird bath or nest box safe from predators and pets, rather than food.
How far should a bird feeder be from the house? ›
A distance of about 10 feet seems to be a good compromise, but try experimenting. You can provide resting and escape cover for ground-dwelling birds such as Song Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows by providing loosely stacked brush piles near your feeders.
What bird seed does not attract rodents? ›
Look for hulled seeds, including sunflower hearts, shelled peanuts, and hulled millet. You can also try suet, nectar, thistle, or cracked corn.
As much fun as it is to watch birds up-close, having food that close to the house is an invitation to bugs and mice. Seed dropping from feeders attracts co*ckroaches and mice. Nectar dripping from hummingbird feeders attracts ants.
Does bird seed need to be covered? ›
Store Bird Seed in an Airtight Container
Ideally, you'll store your seeds in a sealed container, away from mice, squirrels and other critters. This will keep your bird feeding station tidy and birds healthy. An airtight container is critical to keep out moths and other insects.
Do birds get bored of seeds? ›
Provide Plenty of Food Options and Foraging Opportunities
In the wild, parrots dine on an array of different fruits, vegetables, seeds, berries, and nuts. It's no wonder, then, that they tend to get bored in captivity eating the same old pellets and seed mix day after day.
Do birds eat from feeders at night? ›
Birds rarely eat from feeders at night, unless there is an artificial light source that illuminates the feeder. Dawn to mid-morning is the best time to watch for birds eating at your feeder. It's okay to leave most bird feeders out at night even if birds only visit them during the day.
How long does bird seed last outside? ›
Store bird seed in rodent- and insect-proof containers. Never mix old seed with new seed. During periods of warm weather, store only the amount of seed that your birds can consume over a two-week period. During the cooler winter weather, store only the amount of seed your birds can consume over a four-week period.
How long can birds go without seed? ›
Using the same example above of a medium-sized songbird, we can estimate that a typical bird, with 10% of its bodyweight being composed of fat, will survive 1 to 3 days. However, if that bird has no body fat, its survival time could be less than a single day.
How often should you put bird seed out? ›
Some people refill their feeders multiple times a day (especially during the nesting season) , many do it once a week, and others refill them once a month. If you can't decide how often you should be refilling your feeders, check out these three feeding schedules you can implement to see which fits your lifestyle best.
Why have cardinals stopped coming to my feeder? ›
Migrating birds may find a better place to get their nutrition, and it has nothing to do with you. "A decrease in numbers to the feeder could be related to the abundance of natural food sources elsewhere," Sanchez explains. "So, birds wouldn't need to be coming to the feeders."
How do I know if bird seed has gone bad? ›
When filling your feeder, is your seed mix damp to the touch or clumpy? All are signs that your seed has turned. Other things to look for are sprouting seeds, visible mold, and live or dead insects mixed in the seed. If you see one or more of these signs, dump that seed mix immediately.
What are the little black bugs in my bird seed? ›
Rice and Grain Weevils
The Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) and Grain Weevil (Sitophilus granarius) are also common species of insects found in bird seed. They are small black beetles (2-3 mm in length) and can be very tough to get rid of.
The best types of birdseed, including black oil sunflower seeds, nuts, and suet, are just as attractive to squirrels as they are to birds. At first, it may seem like a squirrel is a welcome addition to backyard wildlife, and many birders don't mind occasional squirrel visits.
What do you put on the ground under a bird feeder? ›
Add a 3-4-inch layer of mulch below the feeders, then turn the mulch to bury debris where it can decompose out of sight. Replace the mulch seasonally to dispose of remaining debris. Allow feeders to remain empty for a day or two to encourage ground-feeding birds to pick up spilled seed and be their own cleanup crew.
How high should a bird feeder be off the ground? ›
Best Bird Feeder Heights
Cardinals and finches (feed at lower levels) – approximately eye level, 5–6 feet. Woodpeckers (feed higher in trees) – 6–10 feet. Hummingbirds (feed from flowering bushes and vines) – 3–6 feet. Sparrows and towhees (ground feeders) – 1–5 feet.
What is the best way to feed birds? ›
A diverse mix of seeds will attract the greatest variety of birds. To avoid waste, offer different seeds in different feeders. Black oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number of birds. Offer sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, and peanuts in separate feeders.
What bird seed attracts the most birds? ›
What can I feed birds in my yard? ›
- Black-oil Sunflower Seeds. The most common type of seed offered at feeders in North America is black-oil sunflower seed. ...
- Cracked Corn. Corn is an inexpensive grain that many FeederWatchers provide for birds. ...
- Fruit. ...
- Hulled Sunflower Seeds. ...
- Mealworms. ...
- Millet. ...
- Milo. ...
- Nyjer.
Through Droppings
When eating fruit, birds digest the fleshy part and then pass the seeds out along with their droppings. The fecal material gives seeds a dose of fertilizer high in nitrogen, which can help fuel growth.
How do birds know when you put out bird seed? ›
Birds almost exclusively find food by sight.
With almost no sense of smell, birds rely on their keen senses of sight and sound to locate food sources.
Why do birds spit up seeds? ›
Commonly, birds will “cough up” or regurgitate whole pieces of food, including intact seeds. A bird often chooses to regurgitate for natural reasons, some having to do with courtship or parenting. Sometimes, it may just be trying to become comfortable after a large meal.
Why birds are not eating the seeds I put out? ›
Check for mould, insects or larvae. Smell the seed for mould and mildew (mouldy seed smells musty). Check to see if the seed is discoloured (this can be a sign of fungus). Seed which is clumped together or sprouting is wet and also not fit for birds to eat.
Fecal sacs are just like disposable diapers for birds! Within seconds of feeding, baby robins back up and poop. This ensures that whichever parent brought the food will still be there to carry away the fecal sac.
Do birds remember where they hide seeds? ›
These birds can store hundreds of seeds a day. Each seed is placed in a different location and they generally remember where each one is, even months later. By providing a foundational feeder filled with their favorite foods, you can help your birds with their caching needs.
What time of day do birds feed? ›
Typically birds like to eat early in the morning so that is when they will be looking for food. Your bird feeder should be full at dawn so the birds will find it first thing when they are searching. If you don't want to get up before dawn to fill your bird feeder you can fill it the night before.
What is eating my bird seed at night? ›
One quick and easy solution to keep raccoons from eating seed intended for your backyard birds is to put out only as much seed as the birds will eat by nightfall. Raccoons forage at night, so they'll miss the free lunch you're providing.
What is the best thing to feed wild birds? ›
Black oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number of birds. Offer sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seeds, and peanuts in separate feeders. When using blends, choose mixtures containing sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn—the three most popular types of birdseed.
