To fully enjoy the presence of birds in your garden, offering seeds is only the first step. Choosing the right equipment and where to place it are the true keys to success. Creating a welcoming environment with suitable bird feeders and birdhouses (nest boxes) transforms your outdoor space into a genuine biodiversity sanctuary.
Discover how to select the best structures and where to install them to ensure the safety and comfort of your winged visitors.
Choosing the Ideal Feeder: Essential Features
In Canada, a feeder must withstand wind, snow, and ice. For a durable investment in zones 3, 4, and 5, look for these features:
- Sturdy Materials: Metal is highly effective against squirrels. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and perfectly suited for our winters.
- Weatherproofing: A wide roof that overhangs the perches is crucial to keep seeds dry and prevent mold growth.
- Cleaning: Prioritize models that can be easily disassembled to simplify regular maintenance.
Types of Feeders and Their Uses
| Type | Key Feature | Target Birds |
| Tube Feeder | Maximum protection against moisture. | Chickadees, Finches, Goldfinches. |
| Platform Feeder | Large feeding surface. | Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Cardinals. |
| Suet Cage | Rigid metal mesh. | Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees. |
The Birdhouse: A Matter of Diameter
A birdhouse (or nest box) is not for feeding, but for providing a nesting site. The diameter of the entrance hole is the most important factor in attracting specific species while blocking intruders:
- 2.5 cm (1 in): Ideal for the House Wren.
- 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in): The perfect size for the Black-capped Chickadee.
- 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in): Attracts the Red-breasted Nuthatch and Eastern Bluebird.
- 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in): Suitable for the Tree Swallow.
SAFETY TIP: A good birdhouse should never have a perch. Birds do not need them to enter, but predators (cats, raccoons) use them to hang on and reach the nest inside.
Strategic Placement: Safety and Visibility
Where you place your accessories determines whether birds will feel confident enough to stop by.
- The 3-Meter Rule: Install your feeders about 3 meters (10 feet) away from dense bushes. This is close enough for a quick escape, but far enough to prevent a cat from jumping out by surprise.
- Height: Fix birdhouses at a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 to 8 feet) from the ground on a pole or a clear tree trunk.
- Preventing Collisions: Place feeders either less than 1 meter (3 feet) from your windows or more than 10 meters (30 feet) away to avoid accidental impacts.
Secure the Environment: Protecting Your Guests from Predators
Attracting birds is one thing, but ensuring their survival is another. A welcoming garden must, above all, be safe. Without proper protection, your feeders could become traps for your feathered friends.
- Managing Domestic Cats: Cats are the leading predators of garden birds. If you have a cat, equip it with a bell collar and avoid letting it outside during peak activity hours (early morning and dusk). Place feeders in open areas where birds can spot approaching danger.
- Squirrel and Raccoon Baffles: These acrobats are experts at emptying a feeder in minutes. Install baffles (cone or cylinder-shaped) on your feeder poles. They act as an impassable physical barrier for climbing mammals.
- Protection Against Birds of Prey: If a hawk visits your garden, do not panic; it is part of the natural balance. However, having dense conifers or hedges nearby (but not touching the feeders) provides a quick and vital hiding spot in case of an aerial attack.
Maintenance: The Key to a Healthy Garden
Poorly maintained equipment can spread diseases. Rigorous cleaning is essential:
- Feeders: Empty old seeds and clean with warm soapy water every two weeks.
- Birdhouses: Empty old nests every autumn after the birds have left to eliminate parasites.
- Disinfection: Once a year, use a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and rinse thoroughly.
Once your structures are in place, the next step is choosing quality food. Consult our guide on the best bird seeds for Quebec to complete your setup.
