Birds can bring joy and natural beauty to your apartment living space. Having feathered friends visit your balcony creates a special connection to nature, even in urban settings.
Your balcony can become a peaceful spot to watch these amazing creatures go about their daily activities.
You can turn your balcony into a welcoming bird sanctuary with some simple changes and additions.
These tips will help you create an inviting space that attracts local birds while keeping them safe. A bird-friendly balcony gives you a chance to enjoy wildlife watching from the comfort of your home.
1. Plant native flowers to attract local species
Native plants are bird magnets! They’ve evolved alongside local birds, creating perfect natural relationships.
Try adding coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or sunflowers to your balcony containers. These plants produce seeds birds love.
Native flowers also attract insects that birds feed on. This creates a mini ecosystem right on your balcony.
Choose plants that bloom at different times to provide food throughout the seasons. Even small pots can make a big difference!
2. Install a Birdbath
A colorful ceramic birdbath adds a fun splash of personality to your balcony while giving birds a refreshing place to drink and bathe.
Pick a shallow bowl-style bath that’s no deeper than 2 inches so small birds can use it safely.
Place your bird bath on a stable surface like a table or mount it securely to your balcony railing. Remember to change the water daily to keep it fresh and clean for your feathered visitors.
3. Use Hanging Bird Feeders
Hanging bird feeders are perfect for balconies as they can easily attach to railings. These feeders come in various styles to hold seeds, nuts, or suet, attracting different bird species.
Make sure your feeder is securely fastened to prevent it from falling. Position it so it hangs inside your balcony area for safety.
Some railing feeders even include built-in water bowls, giving birds a complete dining experience right on your balcony.
4. Colorful Nesting Boxes
Adding bright nesting boxes to your balcony helps attract birds looking for a safe place to rest. Paint wooden birdhouses in cheerful colors like yellow, blue, or red to make them more noticeable.
Place the boxes at least 5 feet high and make sure they’re securely mounted. Your feathered friends need stability for their new homes.
Pick boxes with the right hole sizes for local birds in your area. Small 1-inch holes work well for chickadees and wrens, while 1.5-inch holes attract larger songbirds.
5. Orange Bird Feeding Ring
A fun way to attract orioles and other fruit-loving birds is to add an orange bird feeding ring to your balcony. Simply hang a metal or wooden ring designed to hold orange halves securely in place.
Cut a fresh orange in half and place it in the ring with the cut side facing out. Replace the orange every few days to keep it fresh and appealing to birds.
Many birds love citrus fruits, and the bright orange color will catch their attention as they fly by your balcony. You can also try placing grape jelly in a small dish near the orange ring for extra bird-attracting power.
6. Perky-Pet Glass Hummingbird Feeder
The Perky-Pet glass feeder brings beautiful hummingbirds right to your balcony. Its 30-ounce nectar capacity means you won’t need to refill it too often.
The feeder features four flower-shaped feeding ports and a perching ring that lets hummingbirds rest while they drink. You can place it 15-20 feet from your windows and near some plants for the best results.
Remember to clean the feeder every couple of days in warm weather to keep your tiny visitors healthy and coming back.
7. Window-Mounted Transparent Feeder
A transparent window feeder brings birds right up to your balcony window for an amazing close-up view. These feeders attach with strong suction cups and let you watch birds eat from just inches away.
Fill your window feeder with small seeds like nyjer or sunflower hearts. Birds like finches, chickadees, and nuthatches will visit to grab a snack while you watch from inside.
Make sure to clean the feeder weekly and check that the suction cups are secure. Your feathered friends will keep coming back for more!
8. Suet Cakes with Mealworms
Making suet cakes with mealworms is a perfect way to bring birds to your balcony during cold weather. You can create these treats by mixing lard or peanut butter with cornmeal, birdseed, and dried mealworms.
Your feathered visitors will love these high-energy snacks that help them stay warm in winter. Just remember to take them down when temperatures reach above 80°F to prevent melting.
Place your suet cakes in a special cage feeder and watch birds like woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches flock to your balcony for a tasty meal.
9. Grow bird-attracting herbs like mint and basil
Herbs aren’t just great for your cooking—they’re bird magnets too! Mint, basil, and oregano produce scents that naturally attract birds to your balcony space.
These herbs serve double duty by attracting insects that birds love to eat. When you let herbs flower, they provide nectar for pollinators, which in turn brings more birds.
Planting is simple! Use small pots or window boxes that get good sunlight. As your herbs grow, you’ll notice more feathered visitors stopping by to investigate.
10. Avoid using noisy wind chimes
Wind chimes might add a nice touch to your balcony, but they can actually keep birds away. The sudden, unpredictable sounds from metal chimes often startle birds and make them avoid your space.
If you really love wind chimes, consider bamboo ones instead. They produce gentler sounds that are less likely to scare birds off.
Remember, birds prefer peaceful environments where they feel safe. Creating a quiet space will help more feathered friends visit your balcony.