When hanging the feeder off a line, make sure the length of line is at least 8' long with the feeder suspended at least four feet above the ground or snow. You should also use a very thin wire, such as piano wire, whenever you hang your feeder. This will allow you to place the pole approximately one foot into the ground and still keep the bottom of the feeder four feet off the ground. You may also want to add a squirrel baffler. Ideally a sheltered southeastern exposure.
Birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind.
They also prefer not to have any obstructions over their feeding area so as to be able to see an attacking predator. You should be able to know when the feeder is empty. You will need to decide whether you want a hanging or pole mounted bird feeder. Bird feeders can be made out of plastic, metal, glass and wood. Each material offers it own advantages.