Feeding birds can be an enjoyable activity for people of all ages. However, there are some important things to consider before putting out bird feeders in Washington state.
Is it legal to feed birds in Washington?
Yes, it is legal to feed birds in Washington state. There are no statewide laws prohibiting or restricting the feeding of wild birds. However, some individual cities and municipalities may have local ordinances regarding bird feeding, so it’s a good idea to check for any regulations in your local area.
When is the best time to feed birds in Washington?
The winter months are generally the best time to feed birds in Washington. Many birds migrate through or winter in Washington state. Providing food and water helps them conserve energy and survive the colder months. Fall and early spring are also key migration periods when birds need ample food sources.
It’s fine to feed birds year-round, but summer feeding is less critical as natural food sources are more abundant. You may want to clean and service feeders less frequently in summer.
What kinds of birds are commonly seen at Washington feeders?
Many species of birds can be attracted to feeders in Washington. Some of the most common include:
- Chickadees
- Finches
- Nuthatches
- Sparrows
- Juncos
- Woodpeckers
- Jays
- Wrens
- Hummingbirds
The types of birds you see will vary by your location in the state and time of year. Keeping feeders stocked with different food types will attract more species.
What kinds of bird food should be used in Washington?
Different birds have different dietary preferences. Providing a variety of foods will attract the most species to your yard. Good options include:
- Black oil sunflower seeds – Attracts chickadees, nuthatches, grosbeaks, sparrows, juncos, jays
- Nyjer thistle – Finches, pine siskins, goldfinches
- Safflower – Cardinals, finches, sparrows, chickadees
- Suet – Woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens
- Peanuts – Jays, titmice, chickadees
- Mealworms – Robins, bluebirds, wrens
- Fruit – Orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks
- Nectar – Hummingbirds, orioles
- Millet – Doves, juncos, sparrows, quail
It’s best to offer two or more different food types to appeal to a diversity of species. Consider the birds you want to attract most when choosing feed.
Should bird feeders be cleaned regularly in Washington?
Yes, it is important to clean feeders regularly. This helps prevent the spread of diseases among birds that flock to feeders. Follow these tips:
- Clean feeders thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution at least once per month.
- Rinse well and allow to completely dry before refilling.
- Use a stiff brush to scrub away any built-up debris or mold.
- Wear gloves for protection when cleaning.
- Remove old seed and hulls from the ground under feeders.
Increase cleaning frequency during wet weather when diseases spread more easily. Disinfect and move feeder locations if sick birds are observed.
Should bird baths be cleaned in Washington?
Like feeders, bird baths and other water sources should be cleaned regularly to prevent disease transmission. Follow these steps weekly or more often if water becomes dirty:
- Empty birdbath completely.
- Scrub interior with a brush and non-toxic cleaner.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Refill with fresh, clean water.
- Add a birdbath heater in winter to prevent ice.
Moldy birdbath water can make birds sick. Be diligent about cleaning and refilling with fresh water frequently.
What kind of bird feeders work best in Washington?
Tube feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders, suet feeders and hummingbird feeders tend to work well in Washington. Consider these factors when choosing feeders:
- Tube and hopper feeders work for most common birdseeds.
- Platform feeders attract larger birds like doves.
- Suet feeders are ideal for insect-eating birds.
- Nectar feeders appeal to hummingbirds.
- Look for feeders with drainage holes to keep seed dry.
- Select weather-resistant materials like metal, vinyl or plastic.
- Perches should accommodate different sized birds.
- Funnel openings prevent waste from seed spillage.
Place feeders in a sheltered location near trees or shrubs, where birds have places to perch and take cover.
Where should bird feeders be placed in a yard in Washington?
Here are some tips for placing feeders in your yard:
- Situate feeders within 5-10 feet of cover like shrubs or trees.
- Avoid locating feeders too close to windows or doors.
- Elevate feeders on poles/pedestals to deter predators.
- Face feeder openings towards areas with protective cover.
- Set up multiple feeders in a group for safety in numbers.
- Position feeders to make birds fly across open areas, allowing them to watch for danger.
Make sure feeders are visible from inside so you can enjoy watching the birds. Rotate placements seasonally to expose different ground cover to seed.
What are the risks associated with bird feeding in Washington?
While feeding birds can be highly rewarding, there are some risks and drawbacks to consider:
- Disease transmission – Salmonellosis, avian pox and trichomoniasis can spread at dirty feeders.
- Predators – Feeders can attract predators like cats that may prey on birds.
- Danger of flying into windows – Birds can injure themselves colliding into windows near feeders.
- Non-native species – Aggressive exotics like house sparrows and European starlings compete with native birds.
- Unwanted pests – Rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons and bears may be attracted to feeders.
- Dependency – Some birds lose natural foraging ability if they become too reliant on feeders.
Proper feeder maintenance and placement can help minimize these risks and create a safe, healthy feeding environment.
What are the signs of sick birds at feeders in Washington?
Watch for these signs of illness in birds at feeders:
- Feathers fluffed up and plump overall appearance (often indicates infection)
- Discharge or crusted eyes/nose
- Labored or rapid breathing
- Wobbly, weak movements
- Inability to perch well
- Isolation from other birds
- Visibly soiled feathers
Sick birds may also appear lethargic with eyes partially or completely closed. If you observe any concerning symptoms, clean and disinfect feeders immediately. Monitor birds closely and contact a wildlife rehabilitator if needed.
What steps should be taken if sick birds are seen at feeders?
If you notice signs of illness in birds at your feeders, follow these steps:
- Immediately take down and thoroughly disinfect all feeders, birdbaths and nearby surfaces birds use.
- Wear rubber gloves while cleaning to prevent human health risks.
- Remove and replace all existing bird food and water.
- Allow time for disinfection to fully dry before refilling feeders.
- Notify your local wildlife agency if large numbers of birds seem affected.
- Monitor birds closely for further symptoms once feeders are refilled.
- Keep pets away from sick/dead birds to avoid any potential transmission.
Promptly responding at the first signs of illness can help halt disease spread. Seek help from a wildlife rehabilitator if any birds appear severely ill, injured or are unable to fly.
How can bird feeding problems be prevented in Washington?
Follow these tips to prevent issues when feeding birds:
- Clean feeders/baths regularly with 10% bleach solution.
- Provide a variety of fresh food and water sources.
- Use feeders made of quality, easy-clean materials.
- Locate feeders in sheltered spots near trees/brush.
- Rotate feeder placement around your yard over time.
- Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches to deter squirrels.
- Include native plants in landscaping to provide natural foods.
- Keep pets indoors or supervised when birds are active at feeders.
Well-maintained feeding stations that are monitored for sick birds and cleaned regularly can help provide a safe place for local and migrating birds alike.
Conclusion
Feeding birds can certainly be a fun and rewarding activity in Washington. However, it’s important to educate yourself on proper feeding practices to avoid potential downsides. With the right feeder setup and maintenance, you can enjoy observing birds in your yard while also supporting the local ecosystem.
