This combination of sunflower seeds, nuts and mealworms will attract grosbeaks, chickadees, cardinals, jays, woodpeckers and titmice to your feeder – whether it’s for hopper, tube or platform style feeders.
Birds require a variety of food sources in order to breed successfully. If you provided them with only one type of source, they would never be able to reproduce successfully.
Contents
Safflower Seed
Safflower is an annual plant with thistle-like leaves and a taproot system. Each branch typically bears one to five flower heads containing 15-20 seeds.
Safflower seeds can be harvested to make vegetable oil or bird seed. They’re an ideal crop to grow in dry regions with little rainfall, especially if the plants have been artificially created to thrive there.
It is essential to be aware that some birds are incompatible with safflower, either due to a dislike for its flavor or inability to break open hard shells. This applies especially to squirrels and certain types of birds such as blackbirds.
Safflower diseases are usually not a problem in North Dakota, except during years with excessive rainfall or extended periods of high humidity. Alternaria leaf spot and bacterial blight can be controlled through measures such as using disease-free seed, applying proper fungicides, and having at least four years between crops for maximum effectiveness.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
When providing mealworm medley wild bird food, black oil sunflower seed makes a great option. Not only does it provide high-fat calories that keep birds warm during wintertime, but its high fat content also helps them remain active during activity.
That makes it one of the most sought-after seeds for backyard birds. Plus, it’s simple to harvest and save for later use.
When selecting seeds for birds, many experienced birdwatchers focus on those with higher fat contents. These provide more energy and have a thinner shell, making it easier for smaller birds to open.
Seeds placed in a hopper or platform feeder can attract an array of birds, such as finches, cardinals, juncos, nuthatches and pine siskins.
Striped Sunflower Seed
Harvesting seeds from sunflower plants is a favorite activity of birds, squirrels and other wildlife. These nutritious seeds contain high levels of protein, fiber, Vitamin E and Selenium – providing healthy snacks or meals to hungry birds.
Once the flowers have fully ripened and begun to droop on their stalk, they can be harvested. It is essential to protect sunflower heads while they ripen by using brown paper bags, fine netting, mesh or perforated plastic bags in order to avoid them being eaten before they are fully mature.
Striped sunflower seed, like black oil sunflower seeds, is a favorite food of many birds. Larger birds such as cardinals and grosbeaks prefer these kinds of seeds more than smaller varieties.
Sunflower Hearts
Sunflower hearts are an attractive food choice for most birds. Packed full of fat and protein, sunflower hearts can be fed year-round to keep birds fueled up for their activities.
Harvesting sunflower seed is a simple task that takes up minimal space in your garden. Simply cut away any flower heads when they start to wilt and store them in a paper bag until ripe enough for consumption.
Alternately, you can dry sunflower seeds by hanging them in a warm place. After drying, the seeds will become slightly drier and plump.
Deliver mealworm medley wild bird food to your feeders to attract a wide range of insect eaters such as bluebirds, grosbeaks, chickadees, cardinals, jays and woodpeckers. This mix contains dehydrated mealworms for added appeal.
This pure sunflower seed mix is highly appealing to grosbeaks, titmice, buntings, finches and chickadees. By removing the hulls of this seed mix, it makes it easier for birds to digest – cutting down on waste and mess in the process!
