As with most things, “You get what you pay for.” This sentiment rings especially true when it comes to wild bird feed.
Scientific research on bird feeding continues to gain prominence. From seed types and side-by-side feeder comparisons, studies are aiding independent retailers select products that attract birds that consume more seeds.
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Feeders
Simple act of filling a bird feeder adds natural beauty and sound to any garden or backyard, as well as providing food sources for birds who have lost their natural habitat due to human development.
Many local wild bird species require food supplements throughout the year. Feeding them in your backyard helps ease some of their stress due to losing their natural habitat and reduces time they must spend searching long distances for new sources of sustenance.
Choose from an impressive selection of bird feeders at Lowe’s to meet your specific needs, from basic seed blends to premium mixes and everything in between. Kaytee Triple Tube Bird Feeders provide food for multiple bird species while thistle (nyjer) feeders attract American goldfinches and pine siskens respectively. Store-bought squirrel baffles can help keep rodents away – simply place one under or on top of the pole to ensure maximum protection!
Seeds
There is an assortment of wild bird seeds for sale on the market today. Each seed type attracts different kinds of species; therefore offering a selection will maximize chances of attracting species diversity. Black oil sunflower seeds are particularly effective at drawing in species like black-capped chickadees, house finches, nuthatches and tufted titmice.
Blends that include milo, oats and wheat may also be sold, although these tend to be cheaper; most birds prefer sunflower seed while leaving behind millet and oats that attract rodents to feeders.
Nyjer or thistle seed, is a specialty food for finches and goldfinches that’s found in canary mixes or finch mixes. Though more costly than other seeds, its larger seed size attracts more small songbirds to your feeding station and it lasts longer compared to others; most places selling bird seed also carry it.
Suet
Suet (beef fat) provides year-round sustenance to woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and nuthatches alike. Suet provides concentrated calories that utilize less energy hunting or gathering food while providing additional protein when insect feeders become scarce.
Suet is made by processing beef fat found around the kidneys into a solid block that’s rich in saturated fats. With its firmer texture and bits of connective tissue, suede makes an ideal ingredient for pie crusts or traditional European puddings, as well as having an increased smoke point to allow deep frying.
Like bacon lard, suet is widely used to craft homemade cooking oils and skincare ointments at home. Animal fats contain higher saturated fat content than plant-based ones and tend to resist oxidation better, unlike coconut oil which easily dissipates over time.
Nectar
Nectar, the main floral reward for pollinators, can vary widely in sugar (energy) concentration. It is also rich in amino acids and various non-sugar metabolites may play a part in pollinator preferences [29].
Nectar contains more than just sugar; in addition to sugars it also includes lipids, organic acids and minerals. Lipids provide protection from microbial degradation of floral nectar while organic acids have been associated with altering both its flavor as well as changing foraging behavior of insects.
Kaytee offers Electro Nectar as a solution for hummingbirds, developed with electrolytes to mimic the flower nectar they would find in nature and provide energy and hydration during an active lifestyle. Use it with tube, hopper or platform feeders – an excellent alternative to maple syrup and agave that are high in calories and may quickly raise blood sugar levels; ideal for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and GERD as it will keep stomach conditions at bay!
