Last Updated: January 24, 2025
When
The best time to put up a bird feeder in Michigan is in late fall or early winter, after the fall migration is done. This ensures our feathered friends that don’t migrate have a food source during the colder months when nature sources are scarce.
Where
There are a number of things to consider regarding the placement of your feeder in the yard. The first thing to consider is where to place your feeder. If you want to watch the birds at the feeder, place it within 3 feet of your window or 20 to 30 feet away from the window. This will limit possible bird-window collisions and injuries. The feeder should also be located where it is easy to fill and clean plus near trees and shrubs so the birds can seek shelter from the elements and predators. In addition, the feeder should be placed 5 feet off the ground so critters like deer and rabbits can’t easily access the feed.
How
Once you’ve decided where, how you hang the feeder is also important. If you plan to hang your feed from a tree branch, be sure it is sturdy enough to hold the filled feeder plus the birds. An S-hook styled hanger should have one end that is large enough to fit securely around the tree branch and another end small enough to secure to the feeder itself.
A stylish Shepard’s Hook is also a great option, especially for tube feeders and suet feeders. A Shepard’s Hook can be placed anywhere in your yard and is sturdy enough to hold most feeders. Plus it can be repurposed in the spring if you take your feeders down, to hold your beautiful hanging baskets.
If you have a wooden bird feeder, you will want to mount it to a pole and place it in your yard. Simply attach a flange on the underside of the feeder and insert it onto a sturdy pole. Don’t just leave the wooden feeder on the ground or on a table. Deer, rabbits and other critters might enjoy the feed more than the birds.
