Where is the Best Place to Put Your Bird Table to attract Birds.

A little back story first, if I may…

When I built my first bird table about 10 years ago, I struggled to attract birds to feed. That was until I realised this would need a little more thought and less of a scattergun approach! After all, we’re talking about wild creatures, and they’re not going to arrive just because I put out a bird table! 😊

Wild birds need to feel safe when they visit feeders or tables, so positioning your bird table thoughtfully is key. I set up mine next to a bush and a small tree in my front garden. The natural cover gives the birds a place to retreat to if they get spooked, which happens a lot. I love watching them from my front window. Whenever something startles them, they dart back into the safety of the bush, and once they feel safe again, they return almost immediately.

Site your bird table and feeder where you can see it.

It’s also important to choose a location that’s visible and accessible from a comfortable vantage point—especially if you enjoy watching these lovely little characters as much as I do. My bird table is about 5 feet from my kitchen window, giving me a perfect view while I enjoy my morning coffee.

When setting up your bird table, keep practicality in mind. Mine is at a convenient height where I can easily refill the feeders without too much hassle. Luckily, we don’t have cats in the neighbourhood, so at about 5 feet high, the birds are relatively safe. The biggest challenge we face is the local jackdaws swooping in to steal food. We also have a couple of squirrels that try to pinch the nuts, but thankfully, squirrel-proof feeders and my trusty Westie, Angus, help keep them in check. 😊

Sunlight and Shelter.

If you’re positioning your own bird table, try placing it where it gets some morning sun. This helps keep the food dry, preventing mould from forming. In the afternoon, a bit of shade can offer relief from the summer heat—though, to be fair, we don’t get too many scorching days here!

I also recommend finding a spot that offers some protection from the elements. A sheltered area can make a big difference when the weather turns bad, ensuring the birds can feed comfortably, even during rain or strong winds.

Water Source.

In addition to your bird table, having a water source nearby can be a real game-changer. We’re fortunate to have a river close by, but I also added a bird bath to our garden. It’s wonderful to watch the birds drinking and bathing, and it helps create an inviting environment for them.

Experiment to Find the Best Spot! 

Finding the perfect spot for your bird table is super important and may take some trial and error. Over time, I tried several different locations before settling on the current one. Now, we have regular visits from blue tits, great tits, robins, and blackbirds. Occasionally, the jackdaws and pigeons sneak in, but for the most part, it’s the lovely little native British birds that grace our garden.

Last summer, we even had a small parrot visit—apparently, they’re arriving from London, can you believe it?

If you’re inspired to set up your own bird table, check out the handcrafted bird tables we offer at MillTree Studio. They’re designed to be both practical and attractive, helping you create a safe and welcoming environment for garden birds.

Create a Peaceful Space

In conclusion, finding the ideal spot for your bird table is about making the birds feel safe and comfortable while giving you a great view to enjoy their company. With a bit of patience and the right setup, you’ll soon have a bustling bird community visiting daily. It’s such a joy—every morning, when I lift the blinds, my bird table is full of gorgeous little characters flitting about.

Wishing you the best of luck with your birdwatching adventures!