Our Favorite Bird Feeder for Balcony Solutions
There are three approaches to the bird feeder for balcony challenge. The first is to use a ground bird feeder, the second is to attach a bird feeder to your balcony railing, and the third is to use a free standing bird feeder.
In this article, we will list the pros and cons of each approach. We will also make recommendations on which bird feeders we like the best.
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Ground Bird Feeder on Your Balcony
- Popular Ground Bird Feeders on Amazon
- whimsyBirdy Favorite: Ground Bird Feeder Tray
The first option for your balcony is to go with a ground feeder solution. This is the easiest option and it allows you to test out feeding birds on your balcony. The ground feeder is often the cheapest way to go and it is easy to remove if you need to take a break from feeding the birds.
Ground Bird Feeder on Balcony Pros:
- Most Affordable
- Easy to Install and Remove (Just put it down and pick it up!)
- Lots of Popular Birds Feed on the Ground (Examples: Cardinals, Doves, Sparrows, Grosbeaks, Towhees, Starlings, Grackles, and Juncos)
Ground Bird Feeder on Balcony Cons:
- Takes up Floor Space on Balcony
- Visibility of the Feeder from Inside May Be Limited
- Some Birds Prefer Elevated Feeders (Examples: Chickadees, Titmice, Finches, Blue Jays, Nuthatches, and Woodpeckers)
Attach a Bird Feeder to Your Balcony Railing
- Popular Balcony Railing Bird Feeders on Amazon
- whimsyBirdy Favorite: Deck Hook Bird Feeder Pole
The second option is to attach a feeder to your balcony railing. This option is nice because it doesn’t take up any floor space on your balcony, but it still gives you the height of a free standing bird feeder. However, this option is also the most difficult to install.
Balcony Railing Bird Feeder Pros:
- Doesn’t Take Up Any Floor Space on Your Balcony
- Gives you Height which is Helpful for Visibility of the Feeder from Inside.
Balcony Railing Bird Feeder Cons:
- Installation is the Most Difficult of the Three Options
- Can Cause Additional Wear on Your Balcony Railing.
Free Standing Bird Feeder on Your Balcony
- Popular Free Standing Bird Feeders on Amazon
- whimsyBirdy Favorite: Three Shepherd Hooks Free Standing Bird Feeder
The third option is go to with a free standing bird feeder. This option gives you the height of the balcony railing bird feeder without the installation difficulty or the additional wear and tear on your balcony railing.
However, it does take up floor space on your balcony. And it is more difficult to store than the ground bird feeder if you find that you need to take a break from feeding the birds.
Free Standing Bird Feeder Pros:
- Easy to Install and Remove
- Gives you Height which is Helpful for Visibility of the Feeder from Inside.
- Often the Most Visually Appealing of the Options
Free Standing Bird Feeder Cons:
- Takes up Floor Space on Balcony
- Usually the Most Expensive of the Options
Important Shopping Tip on Free Standing Bird Feeders
When you are shopping for these, pay careful attention to the base of the bird feeder. Many of these have spikes on the bottom which are meant to go into the ground. You want to be sure to choose one that has a round base that is meant to stand on the floor of your balcony.
whimsyBirdy Recommendation
So, which one is the best option? Well, that is entirely up to you! There are no wrong answers here and we are just super excited that you’re interested in helping out your local bird population.
If we had to choose our favorite option, it would probably be the free standing bird feeders. If you find the right one, it can really add a visual pop to your balcony. And with some of the models, you can put a hanging basket of flowers right next to your bird feeder which is just awesome. Just make sure to look for a round base when shopping for one!
Whatever option you choose, we wish you the best of luck with your new bird feeder!
If you’re interested in other kinds of bird feeders, please check out this collection of Bird Feeder Articles by WhimsyBirdy.
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