How to Prevent Birds from Eating Grass Seed

As a bird lover, you encourage birds to enjoy your yard, but there are times, like when you’re trying to grow a new lawn, when you need to discourage them from certain behaviors. Here’s how you can prevent birds from eating grass seed in a way that’s harmless to the birds.

photo of a man's hand holding bird seed with background of grassy lawn. A cartoon bird is in the center of the image over the words "how to prevent birds from eating grass seed"

Fill Your Bird Feeders

Providing an ample supply of bird seed in feeders can be an effective strategy to distract birds from eating your grass seed. This approach works by offering birds a more appealing and accessible food source so that newly sown grass seeds on your lawn isn’t nearly as tempting!

Choose the Right Time to Plant

Timing is crucial. Plant your grass seed during the early spring or late summer when birds’ natural food sources are more abundant. Birds are more likely to seek out seeds as food when their regular food sources are scarce.

We recently put out winter rye in our front yard, which was badly damaged by this summer’s drought. We filled the bird feeders behind the house–and then used the next method to “hide” the seed.

Water the Soil and Walk the Seed In

Watering the grass seed and “walking it in” — a method of gently pressing the seed into the soil by walking over it — can help in discouraging birds from eating the seed. This approach is simple yet effective!

Watering the seed after sowing helps it settle into the soil, making it less visible to birds. The moisture can also accelerate the germination process, reducing the window of time in which the seed is exposed and vulnerable.

By gently walking over the area where you have spread the grass seed, you help to press the seeds into the soil. This makes it harder for birds to find and pick out the seeds.

This approach worked great for our winter rye. Sure, the birds probably ate some of the seeds, but they were busy at our back yard feeders while that seed that had been walked in soon sprouted!

Cover the Seed

Physically covering the seed is one of the most effective methods. You can use:

Burlap: Lay burlap sheets over the seeded areas. The burlap allows moisture to reach the seeds while protecting them from birds.
Mulch: A thin layer of straw mulch can conceal the seeds from birds. Ensure it’s sparse enough to allow light and air to reach the seeds.
Netting: Garden netting can be placed over the seeded area. Ensure it’s elevated above the ground to allow the grass to grow and to prevent birds from getting tangled in the net. This is a more expensive option and one not used by most households.

Remember, the goal is to discourage birds from eating the grass seed without harming them. As a bird lover, it’s essential to balance your lawn care needs with the well-being of the birds. By employing these methods, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn while still cherishing the presence of birds in your garden.