Q. How long might it take for birds to find my new birdfeeder?
A. We like to refer to the "Rule of 2s" when placing a new birdfeeder. The Rule of 2s is that it might take 2 seconds, 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days, 2 weeks, even 2 months for birds to use a new feeder!
It depends on many things such as feeder placement, the type of feeder, the quality of the food, bird population in your area, weather, predators, and more.
Chickadees are often the first to find a new feeder. And bird activity begets more bird activity - kind of like when you see a restaurant with lots of cars in the parking lot - you stop in to see what it's all about!
RELATED POST with new birdfeeder tips: Hanging a New Birdfeeder? Know the Rule of 2s
Jonathan, 2 seconds is FANTASTIC! Watch tomorrow's post about how long they took to find my latest feeder. The bad news is that redpolls aren't expected this winter, though we think there's a good chance the siskins will be here.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | December 01, 2011 at 10:59 AM
It took chickadees 2 seconds to start feasting on my set up! Tufted titmice, blue jays, juncos, finches, cardinals and woodpeckers followed suit within a few hours! If this initial response is any indication of the activity I'll see in the coming weeks, I am ecstatic! I'm hoping to see a flock of common redpolls and siskins feeding at the nijer feeders in January/February.
Posted by: Jonathan Glover | November 30, 2011 at 11:06 PM
Eileen, some birds DO love peanuts!
Renee, glad your birdies are back. Mine are a little slow right now.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | November 19, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Looks like a great new feeder, the birds do love the peanuts. It wouldn't take long to find this new feeder.
Posted by: Eileen | November 19, 2011 at 10:21 AM
I am excited that last weekend, birds returned to my feeder! I had thought they abandoned me. There was quite a flurry of activity for a few days. Thanks for telling me to wait and watch before giving up.
Posted by: Renee | November 18, 2011 at 09:47 PM