If you are a bird lover and want to start backyard bird watching, it can be hard when all you have is a balcony to attract wild birds to.
Wild birds can be a joy to watch and attract, but attracting them may feel impossible without a backyard.
Don’t worry! We share some easy tips on how to attract birds to your balcony in no time with not much effort.
Stick around to learn some of our tips for attracting beautiful birds, even if you don’t have a backyard.
Here are some suggestions that will get the job done quickly!
How do you get birds to come to your balcony?
One of the best ways to attract birds to your balcony is by creating an ideal bird environment. This means that you need to provide food, water, and shelter for the birds.
You can do this by putting out a feeder and supplying a source of freshwater, as well as adding trees and shrubs that will offer birds protection from the weather and predators.
If you make your balcony as attractive as possible to birds, they will be sure to visit often.
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Create An Ideal Bird Environment Using The Tips Below
1. Different Bird Feeder Types
By offering a variety of bird feeders, you’ll have the greatest opportunity of attracting birds to your balcony. There are a variety of bird feeders that you can use for your balcony that is the perfect fit for a small space.
A Few Bird Feeders That Work Best For Balconies:
- Window Feeder
- Deck Railing Feeder (Tray Feeder)
- Squirrel Proof Feeders
- Hummingbird Feeder
- Hanging Hopper Feeder
Window Feeder
Window feeders are a great way to attract birds to your balcony because they can see the feeder from a distance, and it prevents birds from colliding with your windows.
Also, since they are close to the window, it makes it easy to watch them.
Another reason why window feeders are an excellent choice for attracting birds is that they come in various shapes and sizes so that you can find the perfect one for your balcony.
Window feeders are also very affordable, making them a great option if you are on a budget.
Deck Railing Feeders
If you want to attract birds to your balcony, using a deck railing feeder is a great way to do it. Deck railing feeders are easy to use and are perfect for small spaces.
You can mount them to your railing, and some feeders even include a water bowl beside the food. This makes it easy for birds to have a place to eat and drink, and it also prevents them from having to come entirely on your balcony to eat.
Squirrel Proof Feeders
If you want to make sure that you are only attracting small birds to your balcony, you should use a squirrel-proof feeder. These feeders have a design that prevents squirrels from getting to the food but still allows smaller birds to feed.
This way, you can ensure that the birds you are attracting are not being scared away by bigger birds.
There are a variety of squirrel-proof feeders available on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and balcony.
Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are a great option for small balconies because they take up very little space and can be placed easily to attract hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds, so they don’t need much space to feed.
However, many people prefer to have a wide variety of bird feeders that attract different types of birds. This just adds to how beautiful your balcony becomes.
Hanging Hopper Feeder
A hanging hopper feeder is a good option for attracting birds to a small balcony. This type of feeder is easy to use and hang, and it is also convenient.
These feeders have a design that refills the feeder as it empties, so the birds have a constant food supply, making it easier to attract birds to your balcony.
Hanging hopper feeders come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that is the perfect fit for your balcony.
Read more: The 9 Best Bird Feeders For Balconies
2. Mixture of Bird Food
One way to attract a variety of birds to your balcony is by using a mixture of bird food. This can be a combination of seeds, corn, millet, fruit, mealworms, etc.
A variety of food options will increase the number of birds to your balcony. Another great tip is to find out what native birds in your area like to eat and place it in your balcony feeder.
Offering a variety of food will help you to attract different types of birds, and it also makes it more enticing for birds.
Birds will be more inclined to visit your balcony frequently if you remain consistent.
3. Water Supply
Adding a water supply to your balcony is essential to attract birds. Not only do birds need water to drink, but they also use it for bathing and preening their feathers.
This means that having a water source on your balcony will make it more appealing for birds and increase the chances of them visiting your feeders.
There are a few different ways to add a water source to your balcony. One way is to buy a birdbath that attaches to the railing or hangs from the side of the balcony.
Another option is to buy a water fountain designed for birds. These fountains come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and balcony.
It is also highly recommended to use a de-icer or a heated birdbath in the winter or cold months. This will allow birds to still have a freshwater source despite how cold it is outside.
A source of clean water is one of the most important aspects for having birds visit your balcony, so investing in it is necessary.
A hanging bird bath like this is also a great option to add a water source.
4. Nesting Spots/Bird Houses
Adding nesting spots to your balcony is a great way to increase the chances of attracting birds. Not only do birds need a place to nest, but they also use it for shelter and protection from the weather.
There are a few different ways to add nesting spots to your balcony. One way is to buy a birdhouse that attaches to the railing or hangs from the side of the balcony.
Another option is to add natural nesting spots to give birds a place to naturally nest. This will make it more likely that the birds you are trying to attract will visit your balcony by providing everything they need in one place.
Use small trees, plants, or scrubs to provide these natural nesting spots. This will make it more likely that they will be attracted to your balcony and use your feeders.
Providing a nesting spot and shelter for birds is vital in how to attract birds to your balcony, so investing in such provides an ideal environment for birds.
5. Perches
Birds need perches to rest on and to preen their feathers. This is why adding perches to your balcony is a great way to attract birds, as they provide a place for the birds to rest and clean themselves.
Having multiple perches on your balcony also makes it look like a natural environment for the birds, which will make them feel more comfortable and likely visit your balcony more often.
Perches also make it easier for the birds to eat from the feeders, as they can perch while they eat. This will help you to attract more birds to your balcony.
Adding perches is an easy way to increase the chances of having beautiful feathered friends visiting.
6. Colorful Objects & Plants
Adding colorful objects and plants to your balcony is an excellent way to attract birds. Not only do birds love colorful things, but they may also associate color with food.
This means adding colorful plants and objects on your balcony, which will make it more appealing to birds and increase the chances of them visiting your feeders.
Plants are a great way to add color to your balcony, and there are a variety of plants that are great for attracting birds. Some examples include Purple Coneflower, Goldenrod, Honeysuckle, Bleeding Heart, etc. It would be best to have a nice mixture of perennials and annuals.
In addition to plants, you can also add different types of ornaments and decorations in different colors to your balcony or even invest in colorful bird feeders.
7. Seed Bearing Plants with a Railing Planter
Adding seed-bearing or nectar-filled flowers in a planter to attract birds to a balcony is a great way to increase the chances of birds visiting your balcony. Not only do birds love edible seeds, but colorful flowers appeal to birds as a food source.
This means adding colorful plants that will produce edible seeds or nectar in a railing planter to your balcony, which will make it more appealing to birds and increase the chances of them visiting to feed.
There are a variety of plants that are great for attracting birds; some popular choices include Coneflowers, Asters, Honeysuckle, Black-Eyed Susans, Cosmos, and Alliums, to name a few.
More Ways To Attract Birds To A Balcony
8. Anti-Collision Preventions
It’s important to keep the birds safe when vising your balcony.
Adding anti-collision prevention to your balcony is a great way to keep birds from hitting your glass door. This can be done by adding decals, tapes, or stickers to the glass to create a visual barrier for the birds.
You can use several different anti-collision prevention types, and it is important to find one that will work for your specific balcony.
When choosing an anti-collision prevention method, some things to consider are how visible the prevention is to birds, how easy it is to apply or attach, and how durable it is.
It is also important to make sure that you continually replace the decals, tapes, or stickers so that they remain effective in keeping your visiting birds safe.
9. Scatter Food on Railing
One of the easiest ways how you can attract birds to your balcony is by scattering food on the railing. This will say, “Hey, there is food here; come eat!”
You can scatter different types of food on the railing, such as seeds, nuts, corn, etc. It is important to vary what you offer as this will help to attract a wider variety of birds.
In addition, you should also clean up any leftover food so that it does not spoil and attract pests. If you regularly offer food on the railing, the birds will start to associate your balcony with a food source and will be more likely to visit.
10. Keep Pets Inside
If you have pets, it is important to keep them inside when attracting birds to your feeders. Pets will scare away any birds or even attack them.
It is important to remember that birds are wild animals and can be unpredictable. So, to ensure the safety of both your pets and the visiting birds, it is best to keep them separated.
Plus, birds just won’t visit if you have lingering pets sitting outside on your balcony.
11. Keep It Clean
Hygiene is essential to creating an environment birds want to visit.
It is important to keep your balcony clean to attract birds. This means regularly sweeping up any leftover food or seeds, as well as cleaning bird feeders and birdbaths. Birds won’t visit a dirty feeder filled with old food.
If there is too much clutter or mess on your balcony, the birds will be less likely to visit or find your feeders. So, make sure to keep it clean and organized to create the most inviting environment for birds.
Also, you don’t want to spread diseases between the wild birds coming to your feeders.
12. Safe From Predators
Adding objects like small trees and bushes to your balcony can help provide escape options for birds, helping to keep them safe from predators.
Birds will feel safer if they know they can easily fly away to hide, and having these types of objects on your balcony will give them that option.
Plus, it just makes your balcony look more bird-friendly and attractive.
So, consider adding some small trees or bushes to your balcony to help keep the birds safe and make your balcony look great at the same time!
13. Scare Aways Invasive Birds
There is a downside to attracting birds to your balcony- you may also be attracting invasive birds.
Invasive birds are not native and can cause harm to the local bird population and your balcony. They can outcompete the native birds for food and resources and transmit diseases.
It is important to differentiate between invasive and native birds, so you know which ones you should be trying to attract to your balcony.
If you see an invasive bird at your feeder, it is important to scare it away, so it does not take advantage of the food source. You can do this by making loud noises, shaking a can filled with coins, or using squirrel-proof feeders to exclude bigger birds.
You don’t want to attract birds that will wreak havoc on your balcony or other birds.
14. Play Recordings of Birds
If your balcony is high up, birds may not visit or know a food source is available. To attract birds to your balcony and grab their attention to your balcony, you may need to play recordings of birds.
This will let the birds know that there is a food source available and entice them to visit your balcony if they think other birds are visiting.
There are many different types of recordings of birds that you can find online. You can even find recordings of different bird songs.
Playing these recordings will help create an environment that is more welcoming for birds and will make it more likely that they will visit your balcony more often.
Tips To Keep Your Balcony Clean When Feeding Birds
- Sweep up any leftover food or seeds regularly to control the mess birds leave behind
- Clean bird feeders and birdbaths often but avoid cleaning them inside so you don’t spread diseases in your home
- Use vinyl or a square piece of fake grass or carpet to place under your bird feeders for easy cleanup
- Consider using no mess bird seed or placing a tray catcher under your feeder
- Use disinfect regularly to clean your balcony to kill any diseases birds may leave behind
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a balcony feeder?
Making a balcony feeder is easy to do all you need are some simple materials. Start with a tray and drill 4 holes on the bottom of your tray, then use two zip ties to attach the tray to your balcony railing or fence. Now it’s time to fill it up with birdseed and start feeding birds!
How do I attract Sparrows to my balcony?
Seeds or food in a tray or hopper feeder or seed spread on your balcony railings are the most effective methods to get Sparrows to visit your balcony. They seldom perch or fed on a tub feeder.
How do you attract birds quickly?
The easiest and fastest way to attract birds quickly is to be consistent with food, water, and sanitation where they eat.
What time of day do birds eat?
Birds will generally eat early in the morning when they are out and about searching for food. Birds will continue to eat throughout daylight hours, and some may even feed after dusk.
It’s more beneficial if you fill your bird feeder the night before so that birds can have something to eat at sunrise.
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