Lowe’s wild bird seed is an ideal way to attract various types of birds to your backyard. Their selection has something for everyone – there’s sure to be a type and style perfect for you!
Certain seeds are more popular with certain bird species than others, such as rapeseed and canary seed.
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Sunflower
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are large, daisy-like flowers that can be found both in the wild and domestic gardens. As members of the Asteraceae plant family, they have become one of the world’s most beloved and well-known blooms.
A sunflower’s flower head consists of hundreds or thousands of tiny blooms known as florets. Each floret possesses both male and female reproductive organs, with the potential to produce a seed.
Each sunflower’s disc florets possess the capacity to self-pollinate or accept pollen blown by wind or insects. Furthermore, its seeds are spiral-shaped – an advantage to birds that enjoy eating their food with a twist!
Sunflowers are an essential element of any garden and can be utilized in numerous ways to attract wildlife. Not only do they provide essential nutrition for winter birds, but their high fat content makes them especially appealing to them.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is a type of grain used in hominy. It often appears in bird seed mixes as well, providing an eco-friendly option for cleaner backyard feeding.
Many birds enjoy corn, particularly crows and jays. It also attracts squirrels and other ground-feeding creatures like towhees, ducks and doves.
Lowe’s wild bird seed is an economical way to add more diversity and beauty to your yard. This particular blend is a small, clean blend without any dark-colored husks.
Aside from cracked corn, other popular seeds that make great backyard snacks include sunflower hearts, hulled millet and shelled peanuts. You can find these at local grocery stores and farmers markets.
Milo
Milo is a reddish round seed popular among pheasants, doves and wild turkeys. It also often appears as part of budget-friendly bird seed mixes.
This seed is popular with birds due to its cheap price and ability to attract a variety of other birds as well. Unfortunately, it may not be suitable for passerines which often visit bird feeders in eastern North America.
Milo seed can also be an attraction to many bird feeder pests like squirrels, rats, mice and raccoons. To make your bird feeder mix more appealing to pests such as these, mix milo with other seeds like black oil sunflower seed for a customized mix that appeals to more wildlife.
Rapeseed
Rapeseed is an annual oil crop in the Brassica family (along with mustard, kale and cabbage), that produces fatty seeds. They are widely grown for both food and industrial uses.
Rapeseed oil is packed with healthy MUFAs and PUFAs that aid in cardiovascular health as well as decreasing the risk of chronic illnesses. Furthermore, it has low amounts of saturated fat and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Rapeseed is often used as a source of biodiesel, though its production costs are higher than those associated with soybeans. It can also be utilized in heating fuel systems either straight or blended with fossil-fuel diesel; furthermore, it serves as an effective lubricant.
Canary Seed
Canary seed, known in Canada as alpiste, has long been used as bird food but now there are other uses for them. Canary seeds can be used in baking or as a replacement for sesame seeds. Furthermore, these seeds contain lipase enzyme which helps break down excess body fat.
Oats and barley provide more protein, while wheat is gluten-free and high in antioxidants. Furthermore, they may reduce the risk of high blood pressure or diabetes.
Canary seed is a specialty crop grown in Saskatchewan and processed for export markets. To meet international specifications, it must be cleaned to an impressive four percent dehulled percentage before being sent off for shipping.