There are several benefits to feeding wild birds in your garden. During the summer, birds become more colorful. In addition, you can see newly hatched chicks hanging around your feeders. Some species of birds even use bird feeders to keep in touch with older generations. They also serve as a healthy alternative to canned or bottled food.
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SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of food for wild birds. Sunflower seeds are available in various varieties, which will appeal to different species. For example, black oil sunflower seeds are good for cardinals, blackbirds, grackles, and sparrows. Black oil sunflower seeds are preferred by sparrows, while white sunflower seeds are good for finches and juncos.
MEALWORMS
Mealworms are very easy to keep and provide a great source of protein and fiber for birds. You can offer mealworms in a jar or shallow dish. You can also purchase special mealworm feeders which have a solid bottom and high sides. These can be placed on a platform feeding station or pole. However, you should make sure to choose a container which is deep enough to keep the larvae alive. Also, make sure that you provide a source of water for the mealworms as they will need it for their survival. You can also mix roasted mealworms with seed or fruit.
CHEESE
If you want to attract more wild birds to your garden, you can offer a selection of cheese. Many species of birds like cheese. You can even offer your birds grated cheese. However, you should avoid giving out large pieces of cheese. A small amount of grated cheese is more likely to be eaten by small garden birds.
COCONUT SHELLS
Coconut shells are an ideal source of suet for feeding birds in your garden. These can be stuffed with seeds, berries, and insects. You can hang the coconuts from branches and let the birds feed from the shells. To provide extra sustenance, you can also fill the shells with chopped seeds, rolled oats, and melted lard.
CHEESE MEALWORMS
Wild birds love cheese, and if you’re hoping to attract more of them to your garden, there are some things you can do to make this an attractive offering. Robins especially enjoy grated cheese. You can also offer sunflower kernels or crushed peanuts. But you should make sure that you don’t give the birds milk, which is very bad for them. Wild birds are lactose intolerant, so you shouldn’t offer milk to them, as it can upset their digestive tracts.
Eggshells
If you’re considering introducing eggshells into your garden, there are a few things you should know first. Eggshells are composed of two different layers: a hard outer shell and a soft white inner skin. Both layers contain organic matter and nitrogen. As these elements decompose, they release valuable nutrients to plants. Eggshells also contain a high amount of sodium, which is toxic to plants at low levels. However, they can help prevent blossom end rot.
Beef dripping
Beef dripping is a natural food source that is rich in proteins and essential fatty acids that wild birds love. You can find it at most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can buy suet or lard, which is also available in most supermarkets. But you should avoid butter and other fats, which may get on the birds’ feathers. Moreover, fats and greases also destroy the birds’ heat insulating abilities.
Suet
Suet is a great food for wild birds and it can be served in a variety of ways. You can spread it on tree trunks or place it in a special suet cage. It is also better served in a container with a roof to avoid the hot sun and keep the suet fresh longer.
Coconut shell feeders
If you want to attract more birds to your garden, consider setting up coconut shell feeders. These are excellent food sources for wild birds. The fresh white flesh inside a coconut shell is packed with nutrients that birds need. However, you must be careful not to attract cats or larger birds, as these can easily eat the contents.
