For the budding “birder”, here are the basics with some helpful comments from our experts:

Choose a well-made feeder and clean it regularly with hot water, letting it air dry completely. Also, dry rake or use other methods to keep the area around your feeder clean.
“If you’re trying to attract Cardinals (for example),” explains Sam Bradford of Wilson Farm's Garden Center, "be sure to select a feeder where the bird can perch upright. This is how they prefer to feed.” Many feeders are also “squirrel proof” and offer some protection from inclement weather. “I try to place (my feeders) away from the Northeast winds,” offered Karen Holmes of the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell.

Bird feeders should be placed 5' to 12' from low shrubs or bushes that provide cover.
Ms. Holmes states that bird “feeding stations” should not be placed in the open. “Birds need (nearby) shelter to hide from predators.” She suggests placing your feeder near low shrubs with (tight) branches. “Small song birds can easily hide (here) to evade hawks (or other large birds).” she said. And what about house cats? “I’ve asked cat owners (in my neighborhood) to place a colorful bow or bell on their cat to help alert the birds of their presence.”

Provide multiple feeding stations in different areas of your yard to disperse bird activity.
“If you are putting up your very first feeder and you don’t see any activity for a few days, don’t be discouraged!” insists Mr. Bradford, “Scatter some loose seed around the yard - the birds will eventually discover your feeder and become delighted regulars for you and your family.”

Allow yourself a comfortable viewing area - not too far away from the feeders.
Ideally, you want to be able to enjoy watching the birds you are feeding. Placing the feeder near your house, patio or deck makes this convenient. Whether you view them through binoculars or photograph them, you’ll be amazed at the different species that will be attracted to your yard. “So many people just see birds as (generic) birds,” says Ms. Holmes. “I tell them, look closer.”

Sam Bradford is the Garden Shop Manager at Wilson Farm.
Karen Holmes is a wild bird expert from the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornel.