You can attract birds to your home even if you only have a small space. A balcony or small patio can offer all the essentials birds need—food, shelter, and water. Because space is limited, you’ll want to plan carefully and make the most of every opportunity.

Window Feeders

Window feeders attach directly to glass with suction cups and are a great way to attract birds. They come in a variety of styles to fit different spaces and feeding preferences. You can also use suction-cup hooks to hang a small tube feeder from your window.

Use What You’ve Got

We carry feeder designs that work in almost any setting, based on the space you have available.

If you have roof eaves nearby, try hanging a feeder from them. For example, a simple mesh “sock” feeder filled with finch food is easy to install and highly effective.

You can also hang feeders from railing-mounted accessories or attach a small tray feeder directly to a deck or balcony railing. Tray feeders are especially versatile because they accommodate a variety of perching styles and body sizes, attracting a wider range of birds.

Select Seed for Your Space’s Needs

Choose a seed blend that appeals to a variety of birds. Joe’s Mix is an excellent all-purpose option.

If you’re concerned about seed mess, consider Kracker Jax or #1 Select Hearts. Because the hulls have been removed, birds consume nearly everything, leaving little waste behind.

Provide a Water Source

One of the best ways to attract birds to a small space is by offering water for drinking and bathing. A water source can attract birds that may never visit your feeders.

There are many attractive, lightweight birdbaths designed specifically for small spaces. Even a shallow bowl of fresh water can make a difference. For added appeal, place a Water Wiggler™ in your birdbath. Birds are naturally attracted to the sight and sound of moving water.

Be sure to keep your water source clean and refill it regularly.

Help Birds Take Cover

Providing shelter or natural cover near your feeding area will make it more attractive to visiting birds. Container plants can offer protection while adding beauty to your space. Consider a small potted evergreen or shrub.

Window boxes and planters filled with flowers can provide nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. Flowering annuals such as fuchsia, impatiens, and petunias are especially attractive to hummingbirds.

If birds feel secure enough, you may even discover a nest tucked into one of your potted plants.

For hummingbird enthusiasts, we carry a small hanging hummingbird feeder with a hook designed to fit into flowering planter pots. Small metal plant hooks are also available for hanging lightweight tube feeders among your container plants.

Be Patient

It may take some time for birds to discover your bird-friendly small space. Don’t get discouraged. Keep your feeders clean, your seed fresh, and your water source maintained. Once birds find your oasis, they’ll be back again and again.

Adapted from the July/August 2018 Bird’s-Eye News, Original article by Melissa Block