I live in an urban area and have a 4th floor balcony. There are no trees per se alongside my building. My balcony looks out over a parking lot. Beyond that, the nearest yards with shrubs and trees are er�..30 yards from our building?

Is there any hope of my getting birds if I were to put out seed and an electric bird bath? I often see birds flying about in the backyards beyond our building, but naturally I never see them anywhere near or alongside my actual building. I DO know the ins and outs of bird feeders, seed, etc. (I used to have my own backyard at one point and was very successful in getting birds to my feeders.) I just don�t know �how� birds would come to figure out I have seed and water available in this particular setting, and since they normally don�t fly anywhere near my building. Or do birds have some type of amazing sense of smell, that they�d somehow smell the seed?

I know that the sound of running water can help to attract birds but again, I don�t think the sound could be loud enough for the birds that are flying 30 or so yards away from my building.

Thanks all!

That being said, I expect you know what you're doing =)

I think maybe a patio tree or 2 in addition to your bird bath and assorted feeder would make birds more likely to visit your balcony.

Make it as 'homey' as you can with a small shrub or 2 at the base of your bird bath. As many places you can provide for birds to alight on while they ponder a snack would be good too.

Bird houses as well can encourage them to hang around for sure. I don't know how successful you'll be so far from the ground but considering birds make their homes in trees, up high shouldn't be a bad thing =)

Good luck!
Antoinette

I have a male robin who has decided my balcony is just the best thing ever. He is also using it as a toilet, and if only I could tell him to aim the other way! I am guessing I have more greenery than most places at this time in the early spring, so I just happen to be a bit more attractive. I've watched him looking for insects in the boxes and planters, as well as sitting in my flowers and sedums. I think he's making friends with my begonias, as he continually goes over and snuggles to them lol. I'm kind of wondering if he won't try to use my balcony as a nesting site since he's been scouting it out now for a few weeks, several hours each day. I'm tempted to put out some food for him, but I decided against it as I occasionally let my cat out there and I don't want to attract to many birds who may unexpectedly meet a cat during impromptu lunch. They may be indoor marshmallows, but they are still cats.