Sunflower seed is a favorite among numerous birds, such as cardinals, grosbeaks and woodpeckers. Nuthatches, finches and goldfinches particularly enjoy munching on this food source. Safflower seeds also offer excellent food sources.
Stay away from mixes containing cheap filler seeds like milo; these go largely unutilised by birds other than doves and pigeons.
Contents
Cost
There is an array of wild bird seed available for purchase, some more economical than others. The cost depends on your target birds, how often and in what quality the seed should be fed out.
Black oil sunflower seeds are an attractive choice that appeals to multiple species, as they contain high levels of fat that provide essential overwinter nutrition for birds and are easily cracked by nearly all birds. While more expensive than their striped counterparts, their value per pound makes these an investment well worth your while.
Cracked corn, millet, and safflower seed are other less costly options that you may want to consider. Safflower is particularly favored by finches but requires a tube-type feeder with small holes; you can find this seed online at Wagner’s and Blain’s Farm and Fleet as well as in stores’ feed supply/birdwatching aisles.
Quality
As with any purchase, when it comes to discount wild bird seed you get what you pay for. Lower-priced blends often contain filler ingredients like milo or oats that the birds don’t enjoy eating, so these seeds end up as waste on the ground. Instead opt for high-quality seeds which attract various songbirds.
Wagner’s Deluxe Blend is an excellent option for backyard bird watchers as it contains 40% black oil sunflower seeds that appeal to chickadees, cardinals, titmice, jays, woodpeckers, finches and nuthatch. Plus, unlike most cheap mixes which often include filler seeds as filler material – so you’ll end up with less leftovers.
Consider shopping online retailers when purchasing discount wild bird seed. Online retailers may provide more extensive selections, unique blends and larger quantities than local stores can. Plus they may waive delivery fees or provide loyalty club discounts!
Freshness
Bird food distributors work directly with farmers, grower co-ops and seed processors to bring you high quality wild bird feed that attracts the species you want while saving you money by eliminating filler seeds that most birds won’t eat or will pick through. The result? A high energy, nutritious birdseed that draws birds you want while saving you money by cutting back on unnecessary filler seeds most species don’t appreciate or select through.
Be wary when purchasing wild bird seed online that contains peanuts or tree nuts, as this could pose a significant allergy risk for anyone allergic. Other key considerations when purchasing bird food online should include processing (to protect from spoiling by removing shells), having an abundance of black oil sunflower seeds as part of a blend and including regional varieties in its mix; empty hulls and excessive dust or debris may indicate mildew or insect infestation.
Insects
As is often said, you get what you pay for. Discount bird seed and mixes often contain fillers such as milo that birds rarely consume or only when there is nothing else available – these fillers also attract unwanted pests like squirrels, cowbirds and grackles.
Quality black oil sunflower seed mixes or nyjer thistle provide significantly more protein and fat than millet or safflower seeds, drawing chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers and woodpeckers alike to their feeders. Plus, these seed types create less of an mess beneath feeders while not inviting pests that damage or spoil cheaper seed varieties.
Check your bird food regularly to make sure it hasn’t become moldy or spoiled, especially during times when humidity is high. While a few insects or small clumps of worms won’t pose much of a problem, larger numbers could indicate spoilage and should be discarded immediately. Watch for stiff, firm clumps that must be separated forcefully–this indicates moth infestation!
