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Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seeds are an enjoyable treat that are often available as snacks in both shell and unshell form, providing an alternative source of nutrition if you have an allergy to peanut butter. In addition, sunflower seeds make delicious toppings for salads, baked goods and trail mixes!
Dietary fiber, protein, vitamins E and C, selenium magnesium linoleic acid and plant sterols make these delicious fruits abundant sources of nutrition that help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels while providing energy boosts and improving mood thanks to vitamin B6.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of niacin and folate, providing essential support to your immune system and helping prevent cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular disorders. Eating them regularly is also proven effective in strengthening immunity systems.
Nyjer Thistle Seed
Nyjer, an African yellow daisy seed (Guizotia abyssinica) that produces thin black seeds, is one of the most beloved types of birdseed found at backyard feeders and often mistakenly referred to by backyard birders as thistle seed; although not related at all.
Nyjer seed provides energy for finches, such as house and goldfinches, feeding at your feeder. A popular component in tube and sock feeders that feature ports for thistle seed. Imported from Ethiopia and India for heat sterilization to prevent the development of any undesirable weeds that might grow out from its core, Nyjer comes in different grades to meet different bird feeding preferences and feeder capacities.
Sunflower Chips
Sunflower chips are miniature versions of normal sunflower hearts kibbled into smaller “chips.” They are an excellent solution for those wanting to feed black oil sunflower seed but do not want the mess under their feeder; in addition, these chips tend to sprout less often.
Finches, chickadees, woodpeckers and nuthatches all flock to these no-mess feeders as a tasty treat! Their compact shape makes for easy feeding in backyard settings without the mess caused by traditional feeders; no hulls mean less squirrels, grackles or magpies getting their fingers into it – the result being that no mess remains when feeding backyard birds!
Finch mix is a blend of fine sunflower chips and nyjer seeds designed specifically to satisfy small birds like finches, siskins, redpolls, flickers, juncos and crossbills.
Millet
White proso millet (pictured), also known as white proso grain, is an especially favorite seed among finches, buntings, bluebirds and sparrows. Additionally, mourning doves, quail and other game birds all flock to it as well. Commonly found in commercial seed mixtures but can also be offered individually or combined with black oil sunflower seeds which attract most species found at Georgia feeders. Be mindful when offering millet as it attracts insects easily – use hopper feeders or dish feeders when offering millet or sprinkle over ground instead; alternatively it can also be grown organically for natural food source!
Peanuts
Peanuts are an affordable, shelf-stable and nutritious food option, boasting protein, fiber and fat to provide satisfying protein satiation as well as essential vitamins and minerals like folate, niacin manganese and magnesium.
Peanuts are nitrogen-fixing legumes that can bring additional nitrogen from the air into other crops, providing a good source of vegetable protein without saturated fats found in meat proteins. Peanuts also offer vitamin E (Bramley et al. 2009) and arginine (Fazel Nabavi et al. 2014).
Runner peanuts feature an upright or spreading growth habit and include cultivars such as Southeastern Runner 56-15, Dixie Runner, Early Runner and Bradford Runner.
Raisins
Raisins are an energy-rich snack for birds. Raisins are often included in no-mess bird seed blends that also include black oil sunflower seeds because their moisture-retaining properties help ensure the seeds don’t quickly spoil.
Both raisins and sultanas provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health by adding bulk to stool and maintaining regularity. Furthermore, both varieties also boast antioxidants that offer additional health benefits. Try including raisins in your breakfast cereal bowl, homemade granola or oatmeal recipe or enjoy as an energy boost or delicious baked treat such as oatmeal raisin cookies!
