Many birders find seed mixes more convenient and cost-effective than straight seeds, drawing in more birds with specific varieties such as black oil sunflower and nyjer thistle seeds.
These seeds are rich in fats and cater to various species including chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. For optimal results use a platform feeder. As this mix contains very few filler seeds it leaves behind less hulls beneath it which decreases mold and bacteria development.
Contents
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are among the most beloved items found in bird feeders, providing essential sources of fats, proteins and vitamins for birds to consume easily with thin shells that make for effortless eating by cardinals, chickadees, finches and woodpeckers.
Birds rely heavily on fat as an energy source during molting and winter months when insects may not be available as sustenance. Furthermore, this high amount of fat helps them retain body heat more effectively.
Avoid seed mixes containing large quantities of filler seeds such as wheat and milo, which birds tend to toss aside and wind up in your lawn. Opting for more expensive mixes may save money in terms of wasted food sitting below feeders un-eaten by birds.
Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are a relatively new addition to wild bird feeding. These small white, angular seeds are consumed whole by birds. Furthermore, they require less effort to open than black oil sunflower seeds and will also stay open longer when given exposure to harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, unlike black oil sunflower seeds which attract squirrels and grackles (otherwise known as bully birds), these won’t attract these squirrels or bully birds (known as bullies).
As safflower seeds differ significantly in shape, color, and taste from regular birdseed, it takes some time for your feathered friends to adapt. Large hoppers or platform feeders help facilitate this change. Many bird enthusiasts report seeing improvements in their birds’ stool from regularly feeding safflower seeds due to their high fiber and protein content.
Peanuts
Peanuts in any feeder — whether hopper, tube, or platform — attract woodpeckers and other perching birds as well as nuthatches, titmice, finches, goldfinches and Indigo Buntings. Doves will scavenge any fallen nuts on the ground.
Mixtures containing black oil sunflower seeds and white millet are designed to attract both perching and ground-feeding birds, and our tests showed that more of this mix disappeared than any other.
Only this blend has one downside – safflower seeds tend to be less attractive to birds than sunflower ones, though this still provides excellent value and should attract chickadees, blue jays, titmice, nuthatches buntings and cardinals – along with minimal waste below the feeder! Plus it generates minimal waste below! It may not be as inexpensive but quality definitely costs more!
Fruit & Nut High Energy Mix
An energy-packed blend of premium whole nuts and seeds designed to attract chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, cardinals and orioles. It includes shelled peanuts, almonds, cashews and pecans; as well as shelled peanuts, almonds cashews pecans (shelled peanuts are shelled), Valencia peanuts pistachios dried cranberries shelled pumpkin seeds as well.
Papaya provides essential dietary fiber and vitamins A and C – making this food an excellent alternative to meat, bread and chocolate that don’t provide birds with all of the nutrition they require.
Gelatin binder ensures year-round use in hopper, platform and tube feeders; additionally it features a barrier-fresh press close zipper to extend freshness longer. Although peanuts and tree nuts are present, this product may also be processed using equipment used for wheat, milk and soy processing.
Wagner’s Classic Blend
Wagner’s provides an array of mixes designed to attract wild birds into backyard bird feeders. Their Value Blends, Deluxe Blends and Specialty Mixes each offer different selections of premium seeds that your songbirds adore. You’ll find Sunflower Hearts & Chips, Safflower Seed, Nyjer Seed, White Proso Millet Cracked Corn Milo in many blends; in Finch Supreme there are colorful Finches too! Wagner’s is committed to producing high quality products loved by birds across America while only using clean ingredients that contain fresh ingredients – leading the industry while remaining clean themselves!
