Birds are delightful little visitors, and many enjoy watching them devour the birdseed or suet put out for them. Everyone has various types of birds in their backyard because, during migration, they pull over from time to time for a pit stop, just like we do on long trips. Having the right type of birdseed for the types of birds in your yard is important if you want them to keep stopping by.
Backyard Birds
Depending on what part of the world you live in, an assortment of birds pass through your yard looking for a meal. Many have bird feeders, bird baths, and birdhouses around their property to entice feathered friends to visit and, perhaps, stay. Knowing what types of birds are visiting is the first step in choosing the right birdseed for your bird feeders. One seed that is widely appreciated is the sunflower seed. But watch out, birds aren’t the only ones in the fan club.
Wrens, Finches, Chickadees and Sparrows
These small birds prefer to eat birdseed that is easy for them to swallow. White millet is one type of birdseed that finches, wrens, and sparrows love. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds. Millet is a seed that most ground-feeding birds enjoy, such as doves, quail, cowbirds, and towhees, just to name a few.
Milo, thistle, oats, and wheat are some tasty grains for ground feeders to enjoy. Chickadees, mockingbirds, cardinals, sparrows, blackbirds, crows, and many others love walnuts and peanuts. Almond slices are also well-loved by many types of birds. Be careful only to put out fresh seeds and nuts. Harmful bacteria can grow in them quickly and can kill the birds that eat them.
A Word About Suet
Chickadees and woodpeckers, in particular, love suet. However, suet can be dangerous if it gets on a bird’s feathers. It will downgrade their natural oils that make their feathers waterproof. This can be detrimental if the weather is cooler and the bird cannot steady their temperature. They can quickly die from hypothermia this way, and it breaks the hearts of many well-meaning bird lovers every winter. It is essential only to serve store-bought or homemade suet in the basket so they cannot get it on themselves. All homemade treats must be well packed, not to be a plate of animal fat that can easily get all over their feathers and kill them.
Cardinals and Blue Jays
Cardinals and blue jays are some of the prettiest and most colorful birds that visit backyards. They aren’t overly picky, though blue jays aren’t overly interested in most bird feeders. Like the Cardinals, they like fruit and nuts. They will typically throw the smaller seeds, like millet, on the ground. Sometimes, they might also eat the cracked corn in the mix.
Putting out several bird feeders with plenty of space in between will attract many different types of birds. Try using one feeder for fruit and nut mixed birdseed, a couple of different types of suet in hanging baskets, and a regular bird feeder with the standard millet, corn, and sunflower seed. You may also purchase specific birdseed for the birds you’d like to attract, like Cardinal Mix. Blue jays tend to enjoy the same food as Cardinals.
*Only leave fruit and nuts out for 48 hours, while regular birdseed can remain for several days.
The Picky Eaters: Mockingbirds, Bluebirds, and More
Mockingbirds love walnuts and fruit. Then, they tend to pick what they want and fly away, unlike the sparrows and doves that will live at your bird feeders until their bedtime daily. Sparrows are extremely overpopulated because of this fact. Their numbers are massively more than most birds. Mockingbirds also enjoy bugs, such as dried mealworms. Many types of birds love mealworms. They are packed with calcium and protein. Chances are the mockingbirds will be a usual guest at your bird feeders.
As far as bluebirds, towees, and buntings go, they will eat traditional birdseed, fruit, nut mixtures, peanuts, mealworms, suet, and, of course, everyone’s favorite: sunflower seeds. If you choose to have a bird feeder holding only sunflower seeds, it will become expensive quickly! It can also be messy, depending on the bird feeders’ location. Hulled sunflower seeds are even pricier.
Hummingbirds and Sugar Water
Hummingbirds are another colorful and fun visitor. They do not eat birdseed, but you can purchase a hummingbird feeder and make your dye-free sugar water. Many hummingbird water mixtures are sold, but most have red dye. Dye is harmful and should be avoided. They can be territorial, and chances are you will see two zooming through your yard once they realize you have a feeder up for them.
Buy the Birdseed for the Bird You Want to Attract
Having birds visit your backyard can be rewarding and sometimes messy. You will see plenty of bird action in the winter, especially if you live somewhere with snow. They cannot find much to eat in the winter except for what they find on trees and plants. Insects are all tucked away and difficult to reach. Putting out birdseed helps birds thrive in the frigid temperatures.
Birds aren’t the only visitors you will have if you choose to hang bird feeders. Deer, bears, squirrels, and chipmunks might also spend time beneath the bird feeders. Squirrels can be a nuisance, but they do a good job of cleaning up under the feeders. One way to keep them away from bird feeders is to offer them food. They love corn and walnuts, too. Soon, your backyard will be a busy restaurant known for its fine dining and delicious food.
