Bird feeders on a window, and what actually visits

A window feeder is the most direct way to see birds in a city, and there are a few things worth knowing before it goes up.

Suction cups need a clean window

The commonest complaint about window feeders is that they fall off, and the commonest cause is a dusty pane or a cold day at installation.

Clean both surfaces, warm the cups in your hands, and press firmly. Re-seat them every few months.

Height and cover

Birds approach a feeder more readily when there is a shrub or railing nearby to wait on. A feeder on a bare expanse of glass gets less traffic.

Give them a staging post within a few feet and use goes up noticeably.

Which birds come to a window

In a city, expect sparrows, finches and pigeons, with the occasional surprise. Species that feed on the ground will mostly ignore it.

A window feeder is for the small, bold birds, and that is most of what an urban block has.

Seed and mess

Mixed seed produces husks, and husks land below the window. A no-mess mix or sunflower hearts largely removes the problem.

This matters much more when the window is above a neighbour's doorway.

Keep it clean

Feeders concentrate birds, and a dirty feeder concentrates disease as well. Empty and wash it regularly, and let it dry fully before refilling.

This is the responsibility that comes with feeding, and it is not optional.

Bringing it down

Take the feeder in during heavy weather, and empty it if you are away. Wet seed spoils quickly and does more harm than no feeder.

Consistency matters to birds, so a feeder you can maintain beats a bigger one you cannot.

Deterrents work the same way

Bobblehead owls and similar decoys work by movement and novelty, so they stop working when they stay in one place. Move them regularly.

A decoy that has not moved in a month is scenery, not a deterrent.

Four products that show the range

The least expensive way in: YCDMLJC Fall Pumpkin Welcome Garden Flag, 12×18 Inch Double-Sided Decor at $3.66. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

A step up from the basics: WENMIXER Clear Window Bird Feeder with Adhesive Hooks for Wild Birds at $13.59. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

A middle-of-the-range option: Jesokiibo 2-Pack Colorful Metal Agave Plant Rustic Garden Sculptures, 12″ & 16″ at $21.59. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

The most substantial option: Marlrin Vintage Bronze LED Outdoor Lanterns with Dancing Flame – 2 Pack at $38.99. Listed with its own specification table, so the dimensions and what is in the box are on the page rather than in a description.

What it costs

Across the 23 items currently listed, prices run from $3.66 to $38.99, with the middle of the range around $18.99. That spread is worth knowing before you start comparing, because the cheapest and dearest options here are usually not the same kind of product at all.

Shipping is a flat $5.49 per order and free once the order reaches $39.00, which is set out in full on the Shipping Policy page.

Coming in instead

Azza's Garden is at 1960 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10026, open Mon: Closed · Tue–Sun: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. If you would rather look at something before buying it, call +1 212-256-0004 and we will put it aside for you.

Anything already ordered can be followed on the order tracking page.

Questions that come up with this

Are you open on Mondays?
No. We are closed Mondays and open Mon: Closed · Tue–Sun: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. The shop is at 1960 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10026.

How long until my order arrives?
We pack within one or two working days; the carrier then takes another two to five to reach most addresses.

What is the shipping charge?
$5.95 flat per order, and free once you pass $49.00.

The FAQ page covers the rest.

Where this sits in the shop

Azza's Garden groups its range into 7 sections, so it is usually quicker to start from the group than to scroll the whole shop. These are the ones with stock on the shelf right now:

Solar Garden Lights — 10 items
Statues and Ornaments — 4 items
Garden Signs and Flags — 4 items
Garden Stakes — 2 items
Wall and Fence Decor — 1 item
Bird and Wildlife — 1 item

If none of those is obviously right, the full shop lists everything on one page.

In short

A window feeder is the most direct way to see birds in a city, and there are a few things worth knowing before it goes up. If you want to talk it through rather than read about it, +1 212-256-0004 reaches the shop during opening hours, and the contact page has everything else.