How Long Until Birds Came to Feeder?

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How Long Until Birds Came to Feeder?

Sep 7 2010 5:02:48 pm EST

Topics: Birdwatching,

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I’ve read that it can take minutes or weeks for birds to come to a feeder. I put up my first feeder at the end of July, 2010. I was surprised to find a Black Capped Chickadee visit the bird feeder within 3 hours of setting it up. The Chickadee grabbed a black oil sunflower seed and flew off.

For the first three days, I noticed no other activity. After three days, two to three Black Capped Chickadees would show up around 8am and 5pm, almost exclusively eating black oil sunflower seeds.

After the first week, I noticed a greater frequency of visits, every few hours, between 6am and 6pm. I also noticed a Tufted Titmouse with the Black Capped Chickadees.

I added a water fountain on the second week, hoping that the sound of running water would attract more birds. Although I did not notice any new species, I did notice that the duration and frequency of visits increased.

On the third week, a Downy Woodpecker began visiting, especially interested in the suet. Also, a White Breasted Nuthatch made regular visits, pecking at the suet, then grabbing a seed and flying off. I noted a skittish Blue Jay that occasionally grabbed suet and dashed. Over time, each species brought a mate.

After a month passed, I spotted an American Goldfinch briefly. I am hoping to observe more of them in the future.

Currently, squirrels raid feeders early, around 6-8am. Bird traffic starts around 8am, picking up until noon, with roving bands of 6-10 birds at a time. Activity dies down in the afternoon, with brief spurts. Although some days, it seems very quiet. I notice another rush around 5-6pm, before twilight sets in. Once the light begins to fade, activity stops.

I am interested to see what the autumn and winter will bring. I will have to put the fountain away before the freezing weather. I plan on replacing it with a heated bird bath.

I will report on introduction of new species, changes in patterns, and introduction of new feeders.

Dates:

2011

2010

2008

2007