The Best Bird Seed to Attract Backyard Birds
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Birdwatching in your backyard is a delightful and rewarding experience. Choosing the right bird seed is crucial to attract various beautiful birds.
Offering the right food entices birds to visit and provides them with the necessary nutrition. In this blog post, we'll explore the types of birds you can attract and highlight the best bird seed varieties for an enchanting backyard bird haven.
Bird Seed
Bird seeds are the primary food source that bird watchers use to lure various birds into their backyards. These seeds come in different types, each attracting a specific set of birds.
The type of seed you choose to fill your bird feeder with will directly impact the diversity of birds that will visit your backyard. From Sunflower seeds that appeal to a broad range of birds to Nyjer seeds that specifically attract finches, understanding the dietary preferences of different bird species is crucial to creating your bird haven.
In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the specifics of different bird seed types and the birds they attract.
Types of Birds to Attract
Backyard bird enthusiasts are often captivated by certain bird species' vibrant colors and distinct songs. Here are some popular birds you can attract to your yard:
Sparrows
Sparrows are particularly fond of millet, a small, round grain type. Different types of sparrows may show that house sparrows are widespread backyard birds.
Cardinals
Cardinals enjoy sunflower seeds, both hulled and unhulled.
Blue Jays
Blue Jays are attracted to various seeds but love peanuts in and out of the shell.
Finches
Finches prefer nyjer or thistle seeds, which are small and easy to eat. House finches are very common.
Robins
Robins don't typically eat from seed feeders but will be attracted to mealworms that you may provide in your yard.
Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves are drawn to various grains and seeds but particularly enjoy millet and cracked corn.
Starlings
Starlings are omnivorous birds that enjoy a wide range of foods. However, they are particularly attracted to suet and mealworms—making these two excellent seed choices. European Starlings are a common bird at the feeder.
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are fond of high-energy foods. Suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are among their favorites, especially during the colder months. Red-bellied woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers are common.
Highlighting Bird Seed Varieties
Different bird species have unique preferences when it comes to their diet. Here are some birdseed varieties that are sure to entice a wide range of feathered friends:
Sunflower seeds
Loved by many bird species, sunflower seeds provide high energy and are available in both shelled and unshelled forms.
Safflower seeds
Squirrels avoid safflower seeds, making them an excellent choice to attract cardinals and other songbirds.
Nyjer seeds
These tiny black seeds are a favorite of finches, attracting species like goldfinches and purple finches.
Peanuts
Peanuts, a protein-rich option, are highly favored by jays, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.
Millet
A millet is a tiny, round seed that appeals to various birds, including sparrows, doves, and finches. Its high digestibility and rich nutrient content make it a popular choice.
Suet
Suet is a high-energy bird food made from animal fat. It's beautiful to insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and starlings. It's beneficial in cold weather when birds need extra energy. They often come in a form of a suet cakes. You will need a special suet feeder to support the suet.
Recommended Seeds
To ensure the highest quality and nutritional value for your backyard birds, here are some reputable brands to consider:
Wagner's 62059 Greatest Variety Blend
Overview: This blend combines a variety of seeds to draw a diverse range of birds into your backyard.
Pros: Offers many seeds and attracts many different bird species.
Cons: Some birds may selectively eat certain seeds and leave others behind.
Ingredients: Contains sunflower seeds, millet, safflower, and more.
Attracts: Suitable for cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, and many others.
Wagner's 62032 Cardinal Blend
Overview: This blend is formulated to please cardinals and caters to their dietary choices.
Pros: High in safflower seeds, which cardinals love.
Cons: It may attract smaller birds than more diverse mixes.
Ingredients: Primarily safflower seeds, supplemented by sunflower and other seeds.
Attracts: Specifically designed for cardinals, but can also attract other songbirds.
Kaytee Nyjer Seed
Overview: Kaytee provides high-quality Nyjer seed that is clean and free from fillers.
Pros: Particularly appealing to finches and other small songbirds.
Cons: Tiny seeds may require a specialized feeder.
Ingredients: Pure Nyjer seeds.
Attracts: Ideal for finches, siskins, and other small-beaked birds.
Wagner's 57075 Safflower Seed
Overview: Top-notch safflower seeds are perfect for drawing in cardinals and other songbirds.
Pros: Deters squirrels, ensuring the feed is left for the birds.
Cons: Not all birds are attracted to safflower seed.
Ingredients: 100% safflower seeds.
Attracts: Cardinals, songbirds, and doves.
Audubon Park 12226 Nut and Fruit Wild Bird Food
Overview: This blend is enriched with nuts and fruit, providing a nutritious feast for various backyard birds.
Pros: Wide appeal due to various components, including nuts and fruit.
Cons: More likely to attract squirrels and other wildlife due to the nuts and fruit.
Ingredients: A mix of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit.
Attracts: Attracts a broad range of birds, including woodpeckers, jays, and more.
Bird Feeding Tips
To maximize the enjoyment of your bird-feeding experience, consider these helpful tips:
Using the suitable feeder for each bird type
Different species of birds have distinct feeding habits and preferences. For instance, ground-feeding birds like sparrows and towhees prefer platform feeders, which are low-set and easy to access.
Tube feeders, on the other hand, cater to the acrobatic finches who find it easy to latch onto the feeder and feed. For larger species like cardinals and bluejays, hopper feeders are most appropriate, providing ample space and attracting them with large quantities of food. Backyard bird feeders are needed to attract your birds.
A bird feeder will attract a few birds, especially if you want to place them next to native plants.
Importance of clean feeders
Maintaining hygiene around bird feeders is crucial. Feeders can quickly accumulate debris and droppings, potentially leading to the spread of diseases amongst the bird population.
A clean bird feeder is recommended to be washed regularly with warm, soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. Let them air dry before refilling them to ensure the feeder is clean and safe for the birds.
Best placement for bird feeders
The positioning of bird feeders plays a significant role in attracting various bird species. Feeders should be placed in quiet and safe areas, away from the bustling activity of human traffic.
Areas near trees or shrubs are ideal as they provide birds with a sense of security and offer quick refuge from predators.
Seasonal changes in bird feeding habits
Birds' dietary needs fluctuate with changing seasons. In the colder months, they require high-fat foods to sustain their energy levels.
Hence, providing seed mixes rich in sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet is beneficial during this period. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with fresh fruits and insects, which provide the necessary nutrients for the development of their offspring.
Conclusion
Creating a welcoming environment for backyard birds is both delightful and educational. By offering the best bird seed varieties and following essential bird feeding tips, you can enjoy the company of a wide variety of feathered visitors.
So, please set up your feeders, fill them with the recommended bird seed, and get ready to marvel at the colorful plumage and melodic songs that will grace your backyard.
Happy birdwatching!
FAQ
What is the best type of bird seed to attract various birds?
A wide variety of bird species universally loves sunflower seeds. They can be served hulled or unhulled and are available in various forms, including chips, hearts, and whole seeds.
Why is black oil sunflower seed recommended for bird feeders?
Black oil sunflower seed is often recommended because it is high in energy and has thin shells, making it easy for many birds to crack open. Black oil sunflower seed is beautiful to finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and cardinals.
How often should bird feeders be cleaned?
Bird feeders should ideally be cleaned once every two weeks. However, if you notice any mold or if the seeds become wet, it is recommended to clean the feeder immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
How do I attract specific types of birds to my feeder?
The birdseed you use will play a significant role in the types of birds attracted to your feeder. For example, finches love nyjer seeds, while bluebirds are more drawn to mealworms.
What kitchen scraps do birds feed?
While reducing waste by offering kitchen scraps might be tempting, not all food scraps are safe for birds. Foods high in salt or sugar, cooking fats and oils, and moldy food should never be offered to birds. Some safe scraps include fruit, uncooked oats, and unsalted nuts or seeds.
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