I live in a high-rise apartment in the city. How can I attract birds?

If you live in an apartment, it’s still possible to build a little habitat to welcome birds. A good first step is to set up feeders. To begin with, use small feeders so your seed doesn’t spoil before you get any “takers.” Try one hanging feeder for nyjer seed and one for sunflower seeds. We recommend suction cup feeders that can be set right on the glass—you dramatically reduce the likelihood of local birds colliding with glass when the feeders are on the glass or set up within just 3 feet of the window. This also prevents seeds from falling below and messing up neighbors’ living areas, and you can set one up even if you don’t have a balcony.

Hummingbird feeders are great to try out. In southern parts of North America you may have these little gems year round, in other areas they arrive in the spring and stay for summer, and you’ll often get a lot of traffic at a feeder during migration in spring and fall. The color red attracts hummingbirds—the nectar doesn’t have to be red, but you can get a red feeder or tie red ribbons onto the feeder. Again, use fairly small feeders at first, and change sugar water at least every couple of days in hot weather or if feeders are in direct sunlight, and every 2-4 days when it’s cooler and feeders are shaded.

Depending on the habitat below your apartment, it may take some time for birds to discover your balcony. Bird feeders in high-rises along lakes and rivers are fairly likely to be discovered during migration. Feeders in any neighborhood are more likely to attract birds if there are trees and other vegetation at ground level, and the more plants on your balcony, the more likely curious birds will check it out. Providing food and nectar-producing plants may lure birds in, and will make your balcony more pleasant for you whether or not they ever arrive. Putting up a hanging plant or two may even invite birds to make a nest. Like feeders, hang baskets close to the window rather than on the outer edge of a balcony to reduce the chances of window collisions.

Explore more of our tips about attracting birds to your yard, what to feed them when they get there, and check out our Celebrate Urban Birds project for information on attracting birds to city yards and urban balconies.