H aving two or more feeders cuts down on competition among species. For example, chickadees and titmice will readily approach a window feeder, while larger birds, such as jays and cardinals, prefer to feed farther from human habitation. Wherever you place your feeders, do not become upset if the birds do not immediately take advantage of the food you are offering. Birds are cautious and to ensure survival, might hesitate several days before approaching the feeder. W hile feeders are an easy way to entice birds into view, they are not the only way.
Birds often travel quite a distance before finding the materials needed to build their nests.
And because these materials are rarely found in our backyards, human viewers usually don't see the gathering and incorporating of the nesting materials. However, it is not necessary for this interesting facet of birdwatching to go unobserved. If you provide various nesting materials in your yard, the birds will use these provisions and will have little need to search elsewhere. H ouse wrens make use of small sticks up to two inches in length. Soft mud in a flat pan, dead leaves, dried grass, straw, and small feathers attract swallows, robins, and wood thrushes.