A Seed for Every Bird

Apr 26, 2021


Did you know that birdwatching and exposure to nature has been linked to improved mental health by thousands of scientific studies? Observing birds of all sizes and colors flitting around your backyard can help you to switch your focus off your busy week and to live in the present moment.
Just like people, different birds have various food preferences. To attract birds of all species to your backyard, make sure to cater to an array of tastes and nutritional needs. Listed below is a breakdown of the most common seeds and the species of birds that benefit the most:
Black-oil sunflower seed
Sunflower seed appeals to the greatest majority of birds because of its high fat and caloric content. Expect to see Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, American Goldfinches, Mourning Doves, Tufted Titmice, and Carolina Chickadees making frequent visits to your feeder.
Millet
Millet is a favorite of small-beaked, ground-feeding birds such as sparrows, quail, Dark-eyed Juncos, Mourning Doves, and Eastern Towhee’s.
Cracked corn
Cracked corn is almost as popular as millet with ground-feeding birds. However, corn tends to spoil faster, so reduce waste by feeding smaller amounts and using waterproof feeders. Cracked corn is likely to attract sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Mourning Doves, Eastern Towhee’s, Blue Jays, and crows.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a great substitute for suet. Combine one part peanut butter with five parts corn meal for a mixture that will attract woodpeckers, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, and an occasional warbler all year long.
Fruit
Some species of birds rarely eat seed and would rather feed on fruits and berries. Soak raisins in water overnight and lay them out on a feeder, cut up orange slices, or purchase a dried fruit blend. Fruit will attract species such as American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Mockingbirds, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and Summer and Scarlet Tanagers.
Your local Co-op has a large selection of bird seed and feeders to help you attract your favorite species of birds. Find the nearest location here. For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.

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