Do you love spending time outdoors surrounded by beautiful wildlife? If so, why not attract birds to your balcony and enjoy their company all year long! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to attract birds to your balcony and keep them coming back for more.
We’ll also provide some helpful information on the types of birds that are likely to visit your space. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bird enthusiast, read on for some useful advice!
Contents
Can You Put A Bird Feeder On A Balcony?
A balcony is an excellent place for a bird feeder, but there are some things to consider before putting one up.
- Make sure your building’s rules allow urban balconies with bird feeders first and foremost. There may also be certain restrictions in terms of height or weight restrictions in urban areas as well – these will vary from city to city.
- You might like to check with your landlord as well.
- Some local authorities even go so far as to prohibit feeders.
Other things to consider before putting feeders on your balcony:
- Think about the best place to hang the feeder.
- The bird feeder should be easy to clean and maintain.
- It is important to choose the right location for the bird feeder, taking into account the size of the balcony and the type of birds that live in the area.
- The balcony rail or ceiling must be strong enough to support the weight of a bird feeder and its contents.
- It is important to keep an eye on predators when placing a bird feeder on the balcony
How To Create A Bird-Friendly Balcony
Food
Provide a variety of food sources. Bird feeders are an obvious choice, but you can also attract birds with fruit trees and plants that produce seeds or berries.
Appropriate Bird Feed
Make sure to get a type of seed that entice birds of the breeds you want to see on your balcony. The birds you like might love sunflower seeds or sunflower hearts, while others just like a general mixture for their free meal.
There are now more than one type of balcony bird feeder. Apart from the conventional feeder, the bird food can be held in a seed feeder, hanging feeders, small feeders, tray feeders, balcony rail feeders, feeders with suction cups. All sorts!
Water
Birds need to drink too! You can put a small bird bath or dish filled with water on your balcony or even just place a few drops of water in the feeder itself. Or you can consider bird baths, small fountains or water trays.
Shelter
Make sure there are places for birds to perch and hide. You could invest in some bird houses to make them feel comfortable
Place some potted plants, preferably including small trees and climbing plants, around the perimeter of your balcony, and consider hanging a few baskets filled with foliage. This will give birds somewhere to rest and feel safe.
Housekeeping
Keep your balcony clean and free of debris. Regularly sweep up any leaves or twigs, and make sure there is no food left out that could attract pests.
Welcome
Observe them, don’t crowd them. When birds visit, be friendly but don’t make them feel threatened. Birds are very smart creatures, and they will return to places with food and water where they feel safe.
Security
Bigger birds are a threat to the smaller breeds that you may wish to attract.
The best way to keep large birds away from your balcony birdfeeder is to install a bird feeder baffle. This is a cone-shaped piece of metal or plastic that attaches to the top of your birdfeeder and prevents birds from reaching the food.
Potential Housing
Another way to attract birds is by providing them with a place to build nests. You can do this by installing a nesting box or placing some branches in a pot.
This will provide a safe place for birds to raise their young. You can also put up some a bird house that will provide shelter for birds in bad weather, especially high winds. By providing a safe haven for birds, you will be sure to attract them to your balcony.
It’s important to remember that not all birds will use the same kinds of nesting materials, so it’s best to provide a variety if you’re hoping to attract different species. Some common items include:
- Pine needles
- Grass clippings
- Feathers
- Wool
- Dandelion fluff
Once the birds have made your garden their home, you’ll be able to enjoy watching them up close!
Attracting Birds With A Balcony Garden
Birds need three food groups to survive: fruits, vegetables, and protein. Your apartment balcony garden should provide a variety of sources for these three needs.
Some flowers that would be best for attracting birds include sunflowers, hollyhock, and nasturtiums. It goes without saying, but avoid the use of pesticides or other chemicals.
Add more greenery and you can create an oasis for feathered friends right on your own balcony!
What Birds Will You Encounter On Your High Rise Balcony?
Birds that visit a balcony are those that are looking for food, water, or a place to rest. It depends on where you live as to which particular breeds you might expect. But, some wild birds that may be attracted to a balcony include chickadees, bluebirds, doves, finches and sparrows. Or even hummingbirds.
While some birds are friendly and may enjoy the company of people, others may be more shy and prefer to keep their distance. It is important to be aware of the different bird species that might visit a balcony so that steps can be taken to ensure their safety.
While most birds are friendly, there are some exceptions. Birds such as the black-capped chickadee and the American goldfinch are known to be friendly toward humans. However, other birds such as the northern mockingbird and the brown-headed cowbird can be aggressive. If you’re not sure whether a particular bird is friendly or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep your distance.
Do Bird Feeders Attract Pests?
There is no definitive answer, as it depends on the specific bird feeder and the pests in question. Some bird feeders do indeed attract pests, such as rodents or insects, while others are less likely to do so. It is important to be aware of the potential for pests when choosing a bird feeder and to take steps to deter them if necessary.
What Should You Do If Squirrels Are Eating Your Bird Food?
Balcony bird feeders are a popular way to attract birds to your backyard, but they can also attract pesky squirrels. Even if your bird paradise is on a balcony, squirrels can find their way there. They are excellent climbers and if there are any trees near your building, they might be the perfect jumping off point.
While there’s no foolproof way to keep squirrels away, there are a few things you can do to make it more difficult for them.
One thing you can do is place wire mesh over the feeder so that the squirrels can’t reach the food. You can also try spraying the feeder with a strong-smelling substance like hot pepper sauce or fox urine. This will make the food less appealing to squirrels and may deter them from visiting your balcony altogether.
Are Pigeons Pests?
One of the primary reasons why pigeons are considered pests is because of their droppings. Pigeon droppings can be very messy and can contaminate food and water supplies. They can also contain harmful bacteria and viruses, which can cause serious health problems.
Additionally, pigeons can be aggressive and territorial, and can sometimes be a danger to people and pets.
Despite all of this, pigeons are actually quite fascinating creatures, and there are many reasons why they should not be considered pests.
Before feeding the pigeons, it is important to check with your local authorities to see if there are any laws preventing you from doing so. In some areas, it may be illegal to feed pigeons because they can often become a nuisance and cause damage to property. If you are unsure whether or not it is legal to feed the pigeons in your area, it is best to err on the side of caution and not do so.
Birds On Your Balcony: The Benefits And Drawbacks
The Advantages Of Attracting Birds To Your Balcony
Attract A Variety Of Birds To Your Balcony
Welcoming birds to a balcony can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do they provide beauty and song, but some bird species are natural clowns and are very entertaining.
Insect Control
Having birds on your balcony can help control insects. By providing a place for them to nest and feed, you are essentially creating your own mini-ecosystem that will help keep the pests under control. Make sure to provide a variety of bird-friendly plants and food sources to encourage them to stay.
For Those Who Don’t Go Outside A Lot, This Is A Great Way To Get Closer To Nature
Birds can be beautiful creatures and adding some life to your balcony can be a great way to enjoy your surroundings. They can provide hours of enjoyment for people who love nature. Attracting birds to your balcony can be a fun way to get closer to them and watch them interact.
Great For The Kids
When you attract birds to your balcony, the kids can learn a lot from them. It’s a great way to teach your kids about nature and appreciation for animals. Just make sure that the bird feeder is placed in a spot where the kids can easily see it so they can watch the birds come and go.
The Disadvantages Of Attracting Birds To Your Balcony
May Attract Pests Such As Rodents Or Insects
If you are trying to attract birds to your balcony, you may be inadvertently attracting pests such as rodents or insects. Pests can cause a number of problems, including damage to property and spread of disease. In order to keep pests away, it is important to take steps to deter them from your home.
May Be Illegal To Feed Some Types Of Birds In Certain Areas
If you’re in an area where it’s illegal to feed certain types of birds, it’s important to be aware of the law. There are many friendly birds that people enjoy having around, but it’s important to make sure that you’re not inadvertently breaking any laws while trying to attract them to your property.
Sometimes They Can Become Your Very Own Feathered Alarm Clock
My sister and her husband lived on the third floor of an apartment building in an area where there were a lot of Lorikeets. They are so funny and entertaining, and it was great to have them visit the balcony.
The only thing was, they started turning up on the balustrade at sunrise asking for their breakfast. They even seemed to know which room was the bedroom!
Conclusion
If you want to attract birds to your balcony, it’s important to provide them with a variety of food and water sources. You can also add plants that will appeal to different types of birds. If you make your balcony bird-friendly, you’ll be able to enjoy watching these beautiful creatures up close.
