Feeder Placement It's best to put your feeder in a quiet, yet convenient area that has year-round easy access. When the weather is bad, you may be relunctant to refill the feeder. It is very good to place your feeder near natural cover such as trees or shrubs. By providing nearby shelter, you offer a place where the birds can hide from predators while waiting for their turn to feed.
Evergreens are particularly good because they provide excellent cover year-round.
Although nearby shelter is good, don't put your feeder too close to a nearby tree. Cats will try to use trees and other obstacles as jump-off points to catch your birds. Squirrels will also use them to try to get to a feeder. It is best to keep the feeder about 4 yards from any tree or obstacle. Expect feathers, seed shells, and droppings and select a location where clean-up will not be an issue.