Bird feeding is a delightful way to bring nature to your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning, knowing the right foods can make all the difference.
Imagine your yard bustling with vibrant feathers, cheerful chirps, and a variety of bird species, each with their own charm. Let’s discover the best foods to attract these winged wonders!
1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Think of black oil sunflower seeds as the universal bird snack favorite. They’re rich in oil, providing much-needed energy for birds. With thin shells, they’re easy to crack open, appealing to species like cardinals and chickadees. Place them in a tube feeder, and watch your backyard transform into a bird haven.
2. Suet Cakes
Suet cakes are like bird energy bars. Packed with fats, they’re perfect for cold-weather feeding. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and even blue jays love them. Hang a suet cage in a tree, and you’ll see these birds perform acrobatics as they feast. It’s a surefire way to keep your feathered friends warm and happy.
3. Nyjer Seeds
Tiny but mighty, nyjer seeds are a goldfinch’s delight. Their small size is perfect for these little birds, ensuring minimal waste. Fill a mesh feeder with these seeds and watch how goldfinches, with their bright yellow plumage, flock to dine. It’s a sight that adds a splash of color to any garden.
4. Mealworms
Wriggly and nutritious, mealworms are not just for the squeamish bird enthusiast. They’re a protein-packed treat that birds like robins and bluebirds can’t resist. You can serve them live or dried. Place them on a platform feeder, and you’ll soon have these insect-loving birds flocking for a crunchy snack.
5. Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is the budget-friendly option for bird lovers. It’s particularly favored by ground-feeders like sparrows and doves. Spread it across the ground or use a low platform feeder. Not only is it affordable, but it also provides birds with carbohydrates for energy. It’s a win-win for you and your bird visitors.
6. Safflower Seeds
Want to keep squirrels at bay while attracting birds like cardinals and grosbeaks? Safflower seeds might be your answer. Their bitter taste is off-putting to squirrels but loved by birds. Fill a feeder with these seeds, and you’ll enjoy a bird-filled backyard without the pesky rodent interference. It’s a gardener’s dream!
7. Fruit
A refreshing change from seeds, fresh fruit can attract beautiful orioles and tanagers to your yard. Think apple slices, orange halves, or even grapes. Offer these on a platform feeder and watch as these vibrant birds come in for a juicy treat. It’s like offering a fruity buffet for your feathered guests.
8. Peanuts
Peanuts aren’t just for squirrels! Whole or shelled, they are a high-protein treat that birds like blue jays and woodpeckers adore. Place them in a peanut feeder, and you’ll be entertained by their spirited antics as they enjoy this crunchy snack. It’s a protein-packed feast that keeps birds coming back.
9. Millet
Millet is a small seed preferred by ground-feeding birds such as juncos and sparrows. These little seeds are full of fiber, making them a healthy choice. Scatter them on the ground or fill a low feeder, and you’ll soon have a gathering of small, cheerful birds enjoying their meal.
10. Bread Scraps
While not the healthiest option, bread scraps can still attract pigeons, sparrows, and other common birds. It’s the equivalent of bird fast food, and you’ll find it quickly devoured. Just remember to offer it sparingly and avoid moldy bread. It’s a treat that can bring a variety of birds to your yard.
11. Grapes
Grapes are a sweet treat that birds like cedar waxwings and finches find irresistible. Hang clusters from a tree or scatter them on a platform feeder. Their juicy goodness provides a burst of energy, making them a favorite among fruit-eating birds. It’s like offering candy to your feathered visitors.
12. Pumpkin Seeds
After carving your Halloween pumpkin, save those seeds for the birds! Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack that chickadees and nuthatches enjoy. Rinse and dry them, then scatter or place in a feeder. It’s a seasonal treat that repurposes waste into a delightful meal for your garden’s avian visitors.
13. Rice
Uncooked rice can be a surprising addition to your bird feeder, attracting ground feeders like doves and sparrows. While a controversial choice, many birds can digest it without issue. Spread it thinly on a platform or the ground, and observe the curious birds that come to explore this unusual offering.
14. Bread Crusts
Bread crusts can bring a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of feeding ducks at the park. Though not nutritious, they attract birds like pigeons and sparrows. Offer them sparingly to avoid filling up on empty calories. It’s an enjoyable way to engage with local wildlife while clearing out your pantry.
15. Chopped Nuts
Chopped nuts offer a protein-rich feast for birds such as chickadees and titmice. Use unsalted varieties to keep it healthy. Place them in a feeder or scatter on a platform, and you’ll see these agile birds delight in the nutty goodness. It’s a crunchy snack that sustains their energetic antics.
16. Oatmeal
Uncooked oatmeal is a simple yet effective food choice for attracting birds like finches and sparrows. Rich in carbohydrates, it provides energy without the mess. Spread it thinly across a flat stone or feeder, and watch as birds flock to enjoy this homely meal. It’s a pantry staple turned bird delight.
17. Cheese
Cheese isn’t just for mice! Small cubes or shreds can attract birds like robins and thrushes. Opt for mild varieties and serve in moderation. Place them on a bird table, and you’ll soon have these feathered gourmands sampling your cheese offerings. It’s an unconventional treat that adds fun to bird feeding.