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How to Secure a Bird Feeder to a Window

Did you know that you can get an up-close view of your backyard bird friends?  Window bird feeders are one of the most popular types of feeders, especially among people with curious pets who enjoy the free entertainment.

You might be wary about installing a bird feeder on your precious windows because if you’re among the many homeowners who have undergone window replacements and upgrades, you know how much of an investment your new windows cost.  However, there are plenty of safe ways to secure a bird feeder to a window without causing any damage.

red woodpecker eating from a red bird feeder

Suction Cup Feeders

Suction cups are the easiest and most common method in hanging window feeders.  Suction cups won’t cause any damage to your window but there are a few tricks to help keep them secured to the window’s surface.

You Get What You Pay For

Always choose a quality-made suction cup window bird feeder.  While pricing doesn’t always dictate how well a product is made and you can certainly find feeders that are high quality at a good value, keep in mind that paying a little more can also go a long way in securing the feeder to your window successfully.

Read online reviews to confirm the feeder you’re purchasing will in fact stick to the window as well as hold up well over time because after all, it will be outside in the elements.  Quality production will mean that the suction cups are well made, and you won’t have to worry about getting them to stick to your window.

Install on a Clean Window

No matter what, you’ll need to install your new feeder on a clean and dry window.  Cleaning your window is easy—just take a mixture of vinegar and warm water and wipe the window’s surface with a clean and dry microfiber cloth.  Use another microfiber cloth or a squeegee to clean the window of the mixture.  The window should be dried completely before you install the feeder.

Install on a Warm Window

A little heat can help get your suction cups to stick to the window.  If it’s possible, secure the suction cup feeder to the window on a warm day.  You can also take a hair dryer and heat the area where you want to hang your feeder, then install the cups once the surface has been warmed.

A Little Water or Oil Can Help

If you’re having trouble getting the suction cups to stay firmly secured on the window, try adding a little something extra.  That “extra” can be a bit of warm water, a little touch of cooking oil, or even a tiny dab of Vaseline.  All of these elements can help enhance the suction.

Roof-Attached Window Feeders

Suction cup feeders are the simplest to attach directly to your window, but hooks are another method if you want to use them instead.  This is a good solution if your roof is flat or pitched.

Measure the clearance of the overhang so you can get an idea of the placement of the hook for your feeder.  The danger of a roof-secured feeder is that it can swing into the glass, so you’ll want to have a short chain to reduce the swing.

Attach the chain to the roof-hook and lower the feeder in front of the window.  Use an “S” hook to secure the chain to the roof-hook.  Don’t attach the roof-hook directly to the gutter system or any part of the roof that moves.

Why Window Feeders?

Many birds become injured by flying into windows because they’re easily confused by the clear surface and fail to realize that a glass window is in place.  A window feeder is a great way to prevent these injuries and deaths from occurring as it breaks up their line of sight and allows the birds a place to rest, eat, and nest.

a window bird feeder

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on mounting the feeder as well as the suggested weight threshold the feeder can safely support.  The window feeder will need to hold both the seed and the weight of the bird, but quality feeders have been thoroughly tested on these qualifications—hence the importance of purchasing a reputable window feeder.

Tips on Attracting Birds to Your Feeder

Once you’ve hung your new feeder or attached it to the window with suction cups, now it’s time to draw in the birds.  Here are a few tips in attracting birds to your new window feeder:

  • Have a nearby water source: birds need water as much as they need food, both for consumption and cleaning purposes.  Having a bird bath nearby can help bring in birds and encourage them to take notice of your new feeder.
  • Bird-friendly plants: add plants, shrubs, flowers, or trees in your landscaping to bring birds in and get them to notice your feeder.  Giving your feather friends a couple landing and resting spots can draw them in closer to your window where they’ll hopefully take an interest in your window feeder.
  • Be patient: give your backyard birds at least two weeks before you try moving the feeder around or switching windows.

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