In Rhode Island, you can stop feeding the birds in early May without causing hardship. Once the trees are leafed out, insects are abundant; many birds that eat seeds in the winter switch to insects for the summer. Also, many birds that visit the feeder during the winter have moved north or dispersed to their nesting territories by the spring.

Some people continue feeding during the spring and summer. This is not a problem and is a matter of personal choice. If you decide to stop feeding in the spring, you could turn your attention to other aspects of attracting birds, such as putting up nest boxes, planting trees and shrubs that birds favor, maintaining a bird bath, and providing nesting materials for birds. Feel free to call us at (401) 949-5454 for more information on attracting birds.

Birds sometimes take a period of time to find and start using a feeder. Meanwhile, make sure that you have the right set up, which includes not only the feeder itself, but also plantings around the yard.

Also, activity at a feeder changes with the seasons. In fall and early winter, the abundance of weed seeds and berries keep the birds fed. During breeding seasons, birds are busy with nesting activity and are dispersed in their territories. The birds could be going to other feeders around the neighborhood, or they could be coming to your feeder when you are away during the day or asleep. Remember that birds actively feed early in the morning.