Your Guide On How To Attract Different Species of Birds.
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I subscribe to a Do-It-Yourself newsletter put out by one of my favorite stores, Home Depot and from there I get a lot of creative ideas. I thought I would share one of my favorites with our readers. In the current issue, there is a clever idea on making a bird house and incorporating a succulent plant in the design. It looks like an interesting project and one that could easily be completed in a weekend. Check it out!
At this time of year, when it begins to warm up, we have a tendency to forget to fill the bird feeders we have tended to all winter. Due to the change in weather we don’t think we need to keep adding food to the bird feeders. We assume that there should be plenty available now that the snow is gone when in reality, there is less bird food available now than any other time of the year.
What kind of bird seed should you be purchasing?
There are numerous types of bird seed and bird seed mixes available to purchase. Some seed can be fairly expensive, while some seed blends are relatively cheap. If you are looking to attract a large variety of birds to your feeders, cheap seed is not the way to go as they tend to attract only sparrows.
It is best to stay away from seed mixes that contain a high percentage of milo or millet seed. Here are some suggestions on which seed will attract which birds:
- Black-Oil Sunflower Seed –This is probably the number one choice to attract a diverse group of birds to your feeders. It is easy for birds to open and provides lots of energy. This seed will attract cardinals, nuthatches, finches, and many other birds.
- Hulled Sunflower Seed – This is the same seed as above, but with the hulls removed. This makes it very attractive to squirrels and is quite expensive, so make sure to use a squirrel proof feeder.
- Safflower Seed – This is a favorite seed of the northern cardinal, house finches and mourning doves. The great thing about this seed is that most squirrels will leave it alone.
- Nyjer Seed – Thistle or Nyjer seed is a favorite of finches. One of the great things about this particular seed is that you don’t have to worry about thistles sprouting in your lawn or under the bird feeder. This seed comes from India and Africa and is sterilized before entering US.
- Striped Sunflower Seed – This seed has a tough shell and is difficult for most small birds to open. Cardinals, blue jays and even woodpeckers will feed on this seed, but it more likely to attract squirrels, raccoons and even skunks to your feeders. If you wish to use this seed, try placing it away from your other feeders.
- Cracked or Whole Kernel Corn – This is a common ingredient in many seed blends, it will mainly attract blue jays and other game-type birds as well as squirrels, raccoons, skunks and other types of mammals. Again, keep this seed in a feeder away from your other feeders.