NYC Balcony, by C McMillan

Maybe you live in a high-rise building and wonder if you can attract birds to your balcony.  Here are some suggestions from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Science Editor, Laura Erickson:

"Your first step will be to set up feeders. To begin with, I'd use only tiny feeders so your seed doesn't spoil before you get any "takers." I'd use one hanging feeder for nyjer and one for sunflower seeds. I'd use suction cup feeders that can be set right on the glass--you dramatically reduce the likelihood of local birds colliding with glass when the feeders are on the glass or set up within just 3 feet of the window.

Once the feeders are in place, I'd start playing recordings of Northern Cardinal and House Finch calls and songs. Don't play them super loud--just enough that these and other birds, with their superior hearing, think there could be a happy, well-fed bird up there and go join it.

 If birds do come, they may very well attract the notice of other birds, bringing more in. Based on what other species show up, you could add suet and fruit to the menu.

Hummingbird nesting on ornament, by Lori Piper, Funky Nest Challenge

In early May, also set out hummingbird feeders--they are drawn to the color red, and some flying along the shoreline may well notice your feeders. Again, use fairly small feeders unless you get a lot of visits, to reduce waste. You should change sugar water at least every couple of days in hot weather or if feeders are in direct sunlight, and every 2-4 days when it's cooler and feeders are shaded, to prevent spoilage.

 
Hummingbird at feeder by Virginia Gielow, Bay Village, Ohio

During spring migration, people on high rises should always turn off outside lights and close their drapes at nighttime except when light on the balcony is actually needed.

 
Photo of finch feathers stuck on glass after impact, also recovered finch sitting nearby outside window, by Doris J. Lombard, Mountain Center , CA

Many of our migratory songbirds move at nighttime, and when passing near lights, are drawn toward them, dramatically increasing the number of tragic collisions.

In spring and summer, until birds figure out that your terrace is a good place, I'd continue on and off to play recordings.

Hummingbird feeding on lavender in container, by Mugil Paramasivam, CA

Putting up a hanging basket or two will improve your chances of a pair of House Finches nesting. Make sure baskets are set close to the window rather than on the outer edge to reduce the chances that a nestling's first venture out of the nest won't be its last. Setting up other green plants will increase the chances that birds down below will notice your terrace and check it out. "

Ronald W. Violette, Mourning Dove nesting in flowerpots on balcony in Columbus, Ohio 

If your balcony is up high you may get the chance to see raptors; Red-tailed Hawks or even Peregrine Falcons.

Check out this list of plants that can be 'contained' in containers, click here.