Feeding Birds:
Buying Mixes vs Making Your Own
Birds are one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. In order to keep them healthy, happy, and around your backyard, feeding birds is a great way to offer them a helping hand.
However, it can be hard to decide whether or not to buy your own birdseed or make your own mix. In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of both, as well as discussing various types of birdseed and different things to consider when feeding birds.
Buying Mixes
One of the greatest benefits of buying pre-made birdseed mixes is convenience. You can go to your local pet store and pick up a bag with all the necessary ingredients.
Generally, birdseed mixes consist of the following:
Sunflower seeds
Millet
Safflower
Cracked corn
However, some brands may add filler ingredients in order to cut costs, which can be harmful to birds. Filler ingredients, such as milo or wheat, are not as nutritious and can be found in cheaper birdseeds.
Be sure to read the ingredients carefully before making a purchase.
Price and Quality
When it comes to buying birdseed, the price of the bag can greatly affect the quality of the seed inside. A bag of cheap birdseed may seem appealing with its low price tag, but filler ingredients can decrease its nutritional value.
High-quality seeds, such as black oil sunflower, striped sunflower, and Nyjer seeds, can be pricey but will benefit birds the most.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a popular bird food that comes in two types: black oil sunflower and striped sunflower. Black oil sunflower seeds are high in fat and oil and offer an abundance of energy for birds.
Striped sunflower seeds have a thicker hull, making them a little harder to crack for certain species of birds. In their natural habitat, sunflowers are messy and in the backyard, they can be too.
The shells can pile up quickly and be difficult to clean up.
Thistle
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle, are a finch-specific food that offers high nutritional value. Often found in specialized finch feeders, the small size of the seeds means that they need to be replenished often.
Safflower
Safflower is a harder shell that is commonly eaten by cardinals, grosbeaks, squirrels, and sparrows. If you find that larger birds are eating too much of your mix, then safflower is a great option.
Millet
There are three types of millet: white proso, golden, and red.
Millet can often be used as filler seeds in other birdseed mixes, but it is important to note that not all birds like them.
However, many species do enjoy them, and they can be a great way to attract ground-feeding birds.
Cracked Corn
Sparrows, jays, and ground-feeding birds like cracked corn because it’s easy to eat. However, it can spoil quickly if exposed to excess moisture.
Also, consider what unwanted guests may come to eat the corn, such as raccoons, skunks, and other mammals.
Non-Bird Seed Foods
In addition to birdseed, there are a few other foods that birds enjoy. For example, suet is a high-fat food that is perfect for winter months when more calories are needed to keep warm.
Nuts, fruit, and oranges can also be offered. Hummingbirds enjoy nectar, and mealworms can be great for attracting bluebirds and other insect-eating birds that you want to watch in your backyard.
It is important to note that processed human foods should not be fed to birds, as these foods may not meet the bird’s nutritional requirement.
Making Your Own Mix
Making your own birdseed mix can be time-consuming, but it does offer a few advantages. Since you are the one selecting the ingredients, you know exactly what is in the mix.
You can also save money since you can buy the ingredients in bulk. However, making birdseed can be a little bit more complicated than buying pre-made mixes and may require more research depending on the species of birds eating your birdseed.
Saving Money
Birdseed can be expensive, especially if you’re feeding hundreds of birds. One way to save money is by buying in bulk.
Keep in mind that birdseed does spoil, so only stock up if you know that you will be feeding birds consistently. Intermittent feeding is also another way to save money.
By feeding birds at specific times of the year, you can target specific species of birds. Specific feeders can also be purchased to target specific species of birds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, feeding birds can be rewarding but so it figuring out the appropriate foods that will attract your desired species of birds. Learning the types of bird foods, price and quality, birds that eat certain types of bird foods, and how to effectively make your own bird mixes are important things to consider.
Knowing that you’re helping local birds in their natural habitat while saving some money is a win-win situation. Happy birding!
Thistle: Food for Finches
Thistle, also known as Nyjer seed, is a favorite amongst finches in the birding community. In this article, we’ll talk about the birds that enjoy thistle, as well as the benefits of offering this finch-specific food.
Birds That Eat
Thistle
Finches are some of the most beautiful birds to watch with their lively behavior and colorful wings. Goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches are just a few of the many species that can be found in North America.
Unlike other birds, finches have a preference for small seeds and specialize in feeding on thistle. The small, black seed is native to Ethiopa and is considered a moneymaker for many African farmers.
Finch-Specific Food
As a hot commodity in the birding world, Nyjer seeds are in high demand and can be more expensive compared to other bird foods. It is also important to note that thistle has a short shelf life and can spoil quickly if not stored properly.
Fortunately, you can purchase a specialized finch-specific feeder designed to accommodate Nyjer seed, which will keep the seeds fresher for longer periods.
Benefits of Offering Nyjer Seed
Feeding thistle can be a great way to attract and keep finches coming back to your backyard. Nyjer seeds offer a high concentration of protein, which is important for birds to build muscle, retain warmth, and develop bright feathers.
The small size of the seeds also means that they can be eaten by finches that are selective eaters, as well as ground-feeding birds.
Safflower: Food for Grosbeaks, Sparrows, and Cardinals
Safflower is another type of birdseed that offers varieties of benefits to birds. This white seed is a great alternative for people who want a birdseed that deters squirrels and starlings, but can still be enjoyed by other bird species.
Birds That Eat
Safflower
If you’re looking to attract grosbeaks, sparrows, and cardinals to your backyard, then safflower is the right seed for you. Similar to thistle, safflower has a hard shell that many birds find appealing.
These birds tend to be selective eaters and will sift through birdseed mixes in search of their favorite foods. So, it’s important to keep in mind that if these birds are already a part of your backyard habitat, then offering safflower seed may be the right choice for them.
Starlings and Squirrels
A great benefit of offering safflower seed is that it is known to deter starlings and squirrels from eating the food. These birds are often considered pests for bird watchers, as they will monopolize bird feeders and take over the yard.
Offering safflower seed means they’ll likely seek out another food source in your backyard.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to feeding birds, different species have different dietary preferences. Knowing which foods are preferred by different birds is essential when looking to attract certain species to your backyard.
Thistle offers high protein for finches, and safflower for grosbeaks, sparrows, and cardinals is a good alternative to deterring starlings and squirrels. Understanding the benefits of the different types of birdseed will ensure that you are providing the right food for your feathered friends.
Millet: A Birdseed for Ground-Feeding Birds and Finches
Birds can provide hours of entertainment while watching them thrive in nature. Offering the right seeds at your bird feeders can be a great way to attract different species of birds to your backyard.
In this article, we will discuss millet, a birdseed that is appreciated by ground-feeding birds, doves, grouse, quail, and finches.
Birds That Eat
Millet
Millet is a generic term that covers many different species of cereal grasses. It is a popular feed for ground-feeding birds such as doves, grouse, and quail.
Millet is also enjoyed by many species of finches, including house finches, purple finches, and goldfinches. Finches tend to be selective eaters and will often sift through birdseed mixes in search of particular seeds.
So, it’s important to note that what may be an average seed to one bird may be a favorite for another. White Proso
Millet
White proso millet is one of the most popular types of millet available for bird feeding.
It’s a great source of carbohydrates and is high in protein. When offered through a specific bird feeder, this seed will attract doves, finches, and quail.
However, be mindful that what may not have been a desirable seed one year may become their favorite in the next.
Cracked Corn: A Birdseed for Sparrows, Jays, and Ground-Feeding Birds
Cracked corn is also a popular birdseed that is often used to supplement and mix with other bird feeds. This type of seed is perfect for sparrows, jays, and ground-feeding birds.
Birds That Eat
Cracked Corn
Sparrows and jays enjoy cracked corn because it is easy to eat, especially for ground-feeding birds. This seed is also known for welcoming mourning doves and turkeys to bird feeders.
Warnings
While cracked corn is a popular birdseed, it is important to be cautious as the seed can spoil quickly when exposed to excess moisture. Spoiled food can harbor bacteria and fungi that can harm the birds who are eating them.
The leftover birdseed can also attract unwanted guests such as raccoons, skunks, and other mammals. Always discard contaminated or spoiled birdseed.
What Not to Offer
Buttered popcorn and red-dyed corn should not be given to birds. Buttered popcorn contains salt and fat which can be harmful to birds.
Red-dyed corn, on the other hand, is often used as a cosmetic addition to mixtures of birdseed. This type of seed is not only nutrient-poor but can also be harmful to birds as the dye can seep into the digestive track, causing the birds to experience gastrointestinal distress.
Final Thoughts
Offering the right type of birdseed can help attract new species of birds to your backyard and keep them coming back. Understanding different birdseed preferences is key when considering what types of feeders to purchase and what types of food to offer.
Millet is perfect for ground-feeding birds and finches, while cracked corn is great for sparrows, jays, and ground-feeding birds. Knowing what not to offer ensures that the birds you host remain safe and healthy.
Non-Bird Seed Foods: Fruits, Nuts, and Insects
Birds get their nutrition from many different types of food including seeds, fruits, nuts, and insects. Providing different types of foods can help attract a wider variety of birds to your backyard.
In this article, we will discuss non-bird seed foods including suet, peanuts, mealworms, oranges, and nectar for hummingbirds. Suet: A High-Energy Food for Woodpeckers
Suet is a high-energy bird food that is perfect to offer woodpeckers in the winter months.
Suet is a hard white fat that can be found around the kidneys and loins of cattle and sheep. Suet can be offered in many different forms including cakes, balls, and nuggets.
It is sure to attract woodpeckers as well as nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice. Peanuts: A Favorite of Blue Jays
Blue jays love to eat peanuts in the shell.
When considering feeding nuts to birds, it’s important to make sure they are unsalted. Peanuts are high in fat and should be used sparingly, but they can be a great special treat to offer your backyard visitors.
Mealworms: An Attraction for Bluebirds
Dried or live mealworms are a great source of protein for bluebirds. Dried mealworms can be soaked in water to rehydrate them while live mealworms can be found at many local pet stores.
Place the mealworms in a shallow bowl to attract bluebirds to your yard. Oranges and Other Fruit: A Favorite of Orioles and Woodpeckers
A sweet treat to offer orioles and woodpeckers is oranges and other fruit.
Grape jelly and raisins can be offered by placing them in small dishes or in specialized feeders. It’s important to wash your feeders frequently, as fruit can attract bees and other insects.
Nectar for Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds love sweet nectar created by mixing water with sugar. Undyed hummingbird food is recommended, as food coloring and dye can be harmful to birds.
This mixture should be changed every few days to avoid bacteria growth and attract ants.
Saving Money: Strategies
Feeding birds can be an expensive endeavor, but with a few simple strategies, it’s possible to cut down on costs.
Buying in Bulk
Buying birdseed in bulk can be a great way to save money over time. Most birdseed mixes come in large 20-50lb bags which can reduce the cost per pound by a lot.
Save money by storing the seed in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
Intermittent Feeding
Consider only feeding birds during the winter months when food is scarce. By feeding birds intermittently, you can reduce the amount of seed used and save money over time.
Targeting Specific Birds
Some bird species prefer certain types of food, allowing birders to target specific birds. To find out what types of food different birds enjoy, consult a field guide or a local birding society.
Offering specific foods can reduce the likelihood of wasting money on birdseed that birds are less interested in.
Final Thoughts
Offering different types of food including fruits, nuts, insects, and nectar for hummingbirds, can attract a wider variety