If you have succumbed to the urban style of living and moved to an apartment, chances are that your new home has a balcony to offer.
After all, the concrete jungle needs some type of outdoor relief from nature for the residents, which is precisely the purpose of balconies.
However, you may have noticed that balconies attract birds.
Especially if your balcony is high above the floor level and birds find it isolated during the day, they would jump around the railings and make it a cozy home for themselves.
So why not keep some food and water for these little creatures while they are visiting your apartment balcony?
And the best way to supply it to them is a bird feeder.
Bird Feeders
Back in the day, our mothers would fill up an old clay plate with seeds and a bowl of water to keep on the apartment balcony to feed the birds.
They would have no care in the world for the bird droppings making the balcony dirty and dangerous for the residents.
And birds would be free to come and go, even make nests in a corner they would find suitable.
However, nowadays, the times have changed incredibly.
Not only can you find many different types of bird feeders, but thanks to increased awareness, it is recommended to clean the bird droppings and keep your balcony safe.
Moreover, letting a bird make a nest on your balcony is crucial as it is a safety hazard and holds many harmful germs.
Hence, with the many different choices of bird feeders available, it is important to choose something that functions automatically but from time to time.
This helps in keeping the birds deterred other than when they are eating.
In addition, it helps rotate the bird food and water, gives you time to clean your balcony, and is used for other personal applications too.
8 Excellent Ways & Places to Keep Your Bird Feeder in an Apartment Balcony
Therefore, to make things easier for you, we are going to list down the eight best ways we know one can place and enjoy a bird feeder on an apartment balcony.
These ways are surely going to help you feed the birds while keeping your balcony clean and use it for yourself too. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Using Plants as Base to Feed Birds
One of the best ways to attract birds to your balcony and keep the balcony clean while you feed them is to use plants.
You can use big potted shrubs and leafy plants that make the birds think they are in their natural habitat, safe and away from any danger.
While you spread the bird food around, you can keep water in a similar plant pot nearby. It will help the birds naturally attract to your balcony and keep bird droppings at bay.
Moreover, it will become easier for you to clean and maintain the balcony for your own use later on.
Water Fountain Attachment with Feeders
A fancier type of bird feeder but one that really works its charm to get birds to high-rise apartment balconies – water fountains are incredible.
They look good, make up a natural fountain for birds to quench their thirst, and you can also turn them off from time to time.
Moreover, these water fountains come with a bird feeder attachment so the birds can get food and water in the same place.
In addition to this, many birds like playing in the water fountain on a hot summer day, so it also helps them stay refreshed.
Bird Feeders Tightened on Railings
Another type of bird feeder that makes for a great placement is the one that comes with a solid metal hook that can be tightened to the balcony railings.
This allows you to choose whether you want the bird feeder on the inside or outside of your balcony. We recommend using both places in your favor.
For instance, when you first install the bird feeder, place it towards the outside of the balcony to attract birds.
Once the birds get accustomed to your home and know they’ll find food and water here, place it towards the inside for better shade and accommodation against rain and shine.
Moreover, it will save the feed and droppings going directly underneath.
Window Bird Feeders with Suction Cups
The smaller the apartment, the easier ways there are for bird feeding.
For instance, window bird feeders with suction cups are some of the best and the cheapest finds in the bird feeder category that you’ll ever find.
They are available in a ton of sizes, shapes, and manual and automatic settings that you can choose as per your liking and feeding preference.
The best part? It will stick on the glass windowpane and be entirely outside of your home. Hence, do the hassle of bird droppings.
Moreover, you can place it on a window beside your balcony so that you can enjoy the presence of the birds when you sit on your balcony without scaring them away.
Lamp Shade Bird Feeders
If you have a bigger balcony, more so a terrace, overlooking a garden or deck, you can install a lampshade bird feeder.
They are exactly how they sound – shaped like a streetside lampshade. They are metallic, huge, heavy, and curved over with a bird feeder on the top end of the pole instead of a light source.
You can install it beside your balcony with the bird feeder nearby so you can access it easily for food and water.
Besides this, it will keep your balcony bird dropping free as the birds won’t technically be using your balcony to be fed.
Moreover, similar to window bird feeders, you won’t scare the birds and enjoy their company as you sit on your balcony.
Hanging Bird Feeders
Another easy and cheap find for bird feeders is the hanging bird feeder. They, too, are available in many different shapes, sizes, and colors – all that you can choose as per your liking and preference.
Moreover, hanging bird feeders can also be placed differently depending on where you hang them, from the ceiling, outside the balcony, or on an outward corner.
Hanging bird feeders are especially great for people who don’t want birds to intrude in their space but also want to feed them and keep them close.
So, this way, they get to enjoy their company from afar without having to maintain balcony cleanliness and wash away bird droppings, seeds, and feathers from regular bird visits.
Tray Feeders
The easiest and the most traditional way of feeding the birds on our list has to be for tray feeders.
It has been around for as long as people discovered they could feed the birds and is suitable for all house spaces, not just apartment balconies.
This is probably the only bird feeder you can create at home with almost whatever crockery you have.
You can use old dishes or recycle plastic containers, place them on fencing trays, and keep them on the floor of your balcony or on the edge of the railing.
It is best suited for open-air balconies so that birds can spot the feeder easily.
Otherwise, you would have to acquire other methods to first attract the birds to your balcony for them to know that there is food here.
Bird Out-houses
Last but not least, bird outhouses are also a great way to enjoy birds’ company from afar. However, that is not the best part about a bird outhouse.
In fact, the best part about a bird outhouse is that it literally becomes a house for the birds.
Yes, the birds can enjoy a cozy little nesting space to lay eggs apart from feeding and water.
Moreover, the homeowner who might get worried about the nest if they invade their private balcony space wouldn’t have to worry about them doing it in the bird out the house.
It is safe from any harsh weather conditions, helps your balcony stay clean, and lets you keep feeding the birds as they create a nest and lay eggs in a safe environment.
Best Bird Feeder for Apartment Balcony
Bird feeding is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby that not only brings beautiful birds to your apartment balcony but also helps support your local avian wildlife.
Offering a source of food in your outdoor space makes your balcony more inviting and encourages a diverse range of birds to visit.
The key to attracting these feathered friends is choosing the right bird feeder designed specifically for apartment balconies.
Apartment dwellers often have limited space for outdoor decorations, but with a bird feeder designed for small areas, you can still provide sustenance for your local bird population.
Just like larger bird feeders, these compact versions cater to the needs of different birds by offering different types of food such as seeds, suet, and nectar.
When selecting a bird feeder for your apartment balcony, there are several critical factors to consider, such as the feeder’s size, durability, ease of cleaning, and mounting options.
It’s crucial to choose a feeder that is resistant to strong winds and inclement weather conditions, as well as one that can be easily cleaned to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases among birds.
Moreover, finding a bird feeder with versatile mounting options is essential, as apartment balconies can have various railing types, wall heights, and restrictions.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve put in hours of research and testing to bring you a list of top bird feeders that are ideal for apartment balconies, ensuring both functionality and attractive design.
Read on to discover our top picks and find the perfect bird feeder to transform your balcony into a bird-lovers paradise.
How to Attract Birds to Feeder in the Balcony
Attracting birds to a feeder on an apartment balcony can be a bit challenging, but with a few simple strategies, we can make our balcony an inviting space for a variety of bird species.
First, it’s essential to choose the right feeder for the types of birds we want to attract.
Tube feeders (Amazon Link) serve small perching birds like finches, while hopper or platform feeders cater to larger birds like cardinals and jays.
Next, we should select the appropriate birdseed for our desired birds. For instance, black oil sunflower seeds, which are popular, attract a wide variety of birds.
Niger seeds (or thistle), on the other hand, specifically appeal to finches. Suet blocks or cakes can be used to attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers.
Offering multiple food types helps in attracting a wide range of bird species.
Water is another important element to attract birds to our balcony. A clean bird bath or a shallow dish with fresh water not only provides a place for birds to drink but also a spot for them to bathe, helping them with feather maintenance.
Remember to change the water frequently to keep it fresh and free from mosquitoes.
For added attraction, we may be able to plant some native species of flowers or shrubs in containers on our balcony.
These living adornments not only offer an additional food source (insects, seeds, or berries), but also offer birds shelter and a safe place to perch while they visit the feeder.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the placement of our feeder. It should be close enough to cover or perching spots so that birds feel safe, but far enough from potential hiding spots for predators.
By following these tips, we can effectively attract birds to our apartment balcony feeder.
Best Bird Feeders for Apartment Balconies
We have carefully curated a list of the best bird feeders designed specifically for apartment balconies, ensuring that you can enjoy bird-watching without compromising on space or functionality.
Solution4Patio Expert in Garden Creation Urban Apartment Deck Rail Bird Feeder & Bird Bath
The Solution4Patio Expert in Garden Creation Urban Apartment Deck Rail Bird Feeder & Bird Bath is a great addition for bird lovers living in apartments with limited outdoor space.
We recently mounted this bird feeder onto our apartment balcony railing and were pleasantly surprised by its durability and functionality.
The heavy-duty steel trays are designed to withstand strong winds, so we didn’t have to worry about it blowing away like other plastic bird feeders we’ve used before.
However, it’s important to mention that the trays slightly tilt and do not turn 360° as advertised.
Despite this minor issue, we were still able to enjoy a close-up view of backyard wild birds.
The adjustable clamp bracket securely mounted the feeder to our deck rail, providing more flexibility than other feeders we’ve tried.
It was quick and easy to install – no extra tools were needed. The removable feeder tray was also a nice feature as it made cleaning a breeze, ensuring a hygienic environment for our winged visitors.
It’s important to mention some customers experienced issues with rusting joints and bowls detaching after a short period of use.
In our experience, we haven’t faced these problems. However, this may vary from individual bird feeders.
In conclusion, the Solution4Patio Expert in Garden Creation Urban Apartment Deck Rail Bird Feeder & Bird Bath is a good choice for people living in apartments wanting to attract birds to their balcony.
Its durability, secure mounting, and easy installation make it an attractive option to consider.
However, potential buyers should ensure it fits their balcony rail requirements, as it may not provide a snug fit for all railings.
HRAYLTOP Deck Bird Feeder
We think the HRAYLTOP Deck Bird Feeder is perfect for apartment balconies, with its adjustable clamp design, sturdy materials, and easy-to-clean trays.
Setting up the HRAYLTOP Deck Bird Feeder was a breeze and its adjustable heavy-duty clamp accommodated our balcony railing with ease.
The 360-degree rotation feature allowed us to find the perfect position for optimal bird visibility and access.
The deck bird feeder’s construction is predominantly durable alloy steel. It’s rust-proof, ensuring long-term use even in various weather conditions.
However, we noticed that the plastic water bowl may be more fragile compared to the rest of the feeder.
We appreciated the manufacturer’s commitment to replacing any damaged water bowls for free.
One issue we encountered was the opening of the top rail – it didn’t fit some thicker railings. We recommend checking your railing’s dimensions before purchasing to avoid any inconvenience.
The bowls for food and water were also smaller than we initially thought, but they seem to be sufficient for attracting birds to the feeder.
In conclusion, the HRAYLTOP Deck Bird Feeder is an excellent choice for apartment dwellers who enjoy watching birds without sacrificing balcony space.
Its durable materials and easy-to-clean design make it a practical and convenient addition to any small outdoor space.
Just double-check your railing’s dimensions before purchasing to ensure compatibility and prepare for the possibility of needing a replacement water bowl.
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder
Perfect for an apartment balcony, this squirrel-proof bird feeder offers great value for its innovative design and durability.
We recently acquired the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder for our apartment balcony, and it has been a game-changer in attracting birds and keeping those pesky squirrels away.
As promised, the squirrel-proof feature actually works; we observed squirrels struggle for 3-4 days and eventually give up trying to steal seeds.
This has already saved us a significant amount of money on birdseed since their clever mechanism doesn’t let squirrels access the seeds.
One of the standout features is the Cardinal Ring System, which provides optimum bird-feeding experience and efficient seed consumption.
We’ve noticed an increase in the number of Cardinals visiting our feeder, which makes it even more enjoyable to sit back and watch. Very bird-friendly indeed!
However, it’s essential to point out that the feeder doesn’t come with a hook for hanging.
If you plan on hanging it rather than using a pole mount, you’ll need to purchase a separate hook or use a rope.
Additionally, the pole adapter isn’t included and must also be purchased separately, which might be an extra inconvenience.
Despite the additional costs, we believe that the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Bird Feeder is worth the investment due to its highly effective squirrel-proof design, Cardinal-friendly ring system, and lifetime care guarantee.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to purchase a quality bird feeder for their apartment balcony.
Perky-Pet 336-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder
This bird feeder is an excellent choice for those who want to keep squirrels at bay and offer a comfortable dining experience for their feathered friends.
We’ve found the Perky-Pet 336-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder to be a great solution for feeding birds on our apartment balcony.
The weight-activated outer cage keeps squirrels out, making sure the birdseed is reserved for our feathery visitors.
The six feeding ports with U-shaped perches make it easy for multiple birds to enjoy the feeder at once, creating a lively atmosphere on our balcony.
The feeder’s durable design and rust-resistant finish ensure its longevity, while the generous seed capacity means fewer refills.
The clear reservoir makes monitoring seed levels a breeze, ensuring we never run out during peak feeding times.
One of the downsides is that the outer cage’s sensitivity might still allow larger birds to land and feed.
But in our experience, it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the smaller birds. Another issue is that the springs could potentially rust over time, affecting the weight-activated mechanism.
Regular maintenance and applying some WD-40 could help prolong the life of the springs.
We also found that deer could access the feeder, but this might not be a significant concern if you’re living in an apartment.
Overall, we are pleased with the Perky-Pet 336-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder as it keeps our birdseed safe from squirrels and invites a variety of wild birds to visit our balcony.
The few downsides are easily manageable and do not outweigh the many benefits and enjoyment we get from this feeder.
Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
This bird feeder is an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep squirrels at bay while providing a feeding station for various bird species.
Our experience using the Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper has been a delightful one.
The bird feeder’s unique weight-activated spinning perch works as advertised, providing a squirrel-proof feeding solution for our feathered friends.
It’s always amusing to watch the squirrels being gently tossed off when they attempt to access the feeding ports.
The feeder’s construction is impressive, featuring heavy-duty metal components powder-coated for extended durability.
We also appreciate the four feeding ports that enable a variety of birds, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches, to dine simultaneously.
One downside we encountered was the need to charge the batteries overnight before using the bird feeder for the first time.
This added an extra step before setting it up in our balcony. Additionally, the feeder’s price is slightly on the higher side.
However, given its excellent performance and durability, we believe it’s worth the investment.
In conclusion, the Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper is a solid choice for anyone living in an apartment with a balcony, looking to provide a squirrel-proof feeding station for various bird species.
Its unique design, build quality, and functionality help create an enjoyable bird-watching experience.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best bird feeder for apartment balconies, there are several factors to consider to ensure both the birds and the balcony users are happy.
In this buying guide, we will discuss some key features to look for when selecting a bird feeder.
Size and capacity: Firstly, consider the size and capacity of the bird feeder. For apartment balconies, it’s important to choose a feeder that is compact enough not to take up too much space. However, the feeder should still be able to hold enough seed to keep the birds satisfied.
Materials and durability: It’s essential to select a bird feeder made from durable and weather-resistant materials. This will ensure that it can withstand harsh weather conditions and remain functional for an extended period.
Ease of installation and maintenance: For apartment dwellers, it’s crucial to choose a feeder that is easy to install and maintain. Look for a bird feeder that can be hung, mounted, or attached to a railing without causing damage. Additionally, the feeder should be easy to clean and refill.
Design for specific bird species: Consider the types of birds you wish to attract and choose a feeder designed to cater to their specific needs. For instance, some feeders will be suitable only for small birds, while others may accommodate larger species. The design of the feeder’s opening or perch can also play a role in which birds can access it.
Types of food: Select a bird feeder that can accommodate varying types of food such as seeds, suet, or nectar to attract a more diverse group of birds.
Squirrel resistance: Squirrels can be a significant problem for those feeding birds on their balconies. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a bird feeder with built-in squirrel resistance features, such as weight-sensitive perches, baffle systems, or cages to prevent access to the food.
Keeping these features in mind will help guide your decision-making process, allowing you to find the ideal bird feeder for your apartment balcony that will bring joy to you and the visiting birds.
In Conclusion,
There is certainly no denying the rewarding feeling you get from feeding the birds.
It brings you closer to nature and allows you pets that are not your own, but you get the fun of it and a lot more relaxation and calmness compared to chaotic urban living.
Hence, if you have been thinking about getting a bird feeder, this is your sign to get one without any more worry.
We hope that the types and placement tips we have shared help you achieve a nice and clean way of enjoying a bird feeder and allowing birds in your space without creating fuss for you.
It will take some patience on your part, but you’ll see how many different bird species you get to spot and feed as time goes by.
Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of bird feeder is best for a small balcony?
We recommend using a compact bird feeder, such as a hanging tube feeder or a wall-mounted platform feeder.
Tube feeders are ideal for small birds, while platform feeders can accommodate a variety of bird species. Choose a feeder with a tray or a mesh design to minimize the spread of seed debris on your balcony.
How can I install a no-mess bird feeder on my apartment railing?
To install a no-mess bird feeder, consider using a clamp-on railing feeder or a deck-mounted feeder with a built-in tray or mesh.
This will help in containing the seeds and preventing them from falling onto your balcony or neighbor’s property. Make sure the feeder is securely fastened to your railing for stability and safety.
What DIY bird feeder ideas work well for apartment balconies?
You can create simple and effective DIY bird feeders using everyday materials.
For example, transform a plastic water bottle or a milk carton into a functional hanging feeder by cutting holes for the birds to access seeds and adding a perch for them to rest on.
Another option is repurposing a small, shallow dish or tray by attaching it to a railing or hung from a hook as a platform feeder.
Are there any restrictions on using bird feeders in apartment complexes?
Before installing a bird feeder on your apartment balcony, review any rules or regulations from your building management or homeowners association.
Some complexes may have restrictions on the type or installation of bird feeders. It’s essential to follow these rules and maintain a clean and well-maintained balcony space.
How do I attract a variety of birds to my balcony feeder?
To attract diverse bird species, provide a mix of seeds and feed options such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet cakes.
You can also attract different birds with colorful decorations and by providing a water source such as a shallow dish or a birdbath.
What bird feeders are suitable for attaching to apartment windows?
Window-mounted bird feeders, such as suction-cup feeders or window boxes, are great options for apartment dwellers.
These feeders attach directly to the window glass, allowing you to observe birds up close without taking up balcony space.
Be sure to choose a feeder with one-way mirror or frosted filming to give birds a sense of privacy and security while feeding.
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