Pennington Ultra Songbird Blend Wild Bird Feed and Seed 12 Lbs is an ideal way to attract multiple species of birds. Available in two different size options and featuring top-grade ingredients, this feed can bring them flocks flocks.
My tests of inexpensive commercial bird foods showed that milo was often the main component. Some of the best mixes contained almost no red millet or cracked corn at all!
Contents
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Black Oil Sunflower Seed is one of the most sought-after seed offerings to attract birds. As an abundant source of nutrition during breeding season and winter weather, these thin shelled seeds make eating them easier for small birds.
Black oil sunflower is an excellent option for gardeners looking to produce seed for birdseed feeding purposes, being easy to cultivate and able to tolerate most growing conditions. It provides food sources without overproducing.
As soon as the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, sow sunflower seeds in late spring. Space the plantings out over several weeks so as to maintain a steady supply of fresh birdseed. Choose a sunny location with loose soil for best results, placing 8-12 inch apart seeds 8-12 inches apart 8-12 inches apart in loose rows 8-12 inches apart from each other and water frequently but moderately until blooms appear; keep a close eye on when to harvest these precious seeds!
Millet
In addition to black oil sunflower seeds, this mix includes striped sunflower seeds, peanut pieces and golden safflower (an organic and chemical-free hybrid variety of traditional white safflower that contains more seeds, higher protein levels and fat content than its predecessor). A high proportion of striped sunflower seeds will draw the attention of birds with prominent bill features like cardinals.
Wagner’s premium mix of bird favorites will keep backyard songbirds coming back year-round to your feeder. Black oil and striped sunflower seeds, peanuts, safflower and tree nuts provide nutritious foods for songbirds; and Wagner’s premium bird foods do not contain fillers such as milo or cracked corn, which have no nutritional benefit for wild birds.
Doves and native sparrows love millet, making it the first ingredient in many different bird food mixes. But remember that most ground-feeding birds such as chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers don’t enjoy munching it up; thus your blend should include ingredients more suitable to their feeding habits.
Nyjer Thistle
Nyjer seed (commonly referred to as niger or thistle seed) is a favorite among finches and other small songbirds, and one of the main imported ingredients of birdseed for North American consumption, mostly from India and Ethiopia. Guizotia abyssinica’s yellow flowering seeds must be heat sterilized upon entry to prevent them carrying the dodder weed which has caused illness among birds in many other parts of the world.
Seed designed specifically for finches is sold in special feeders that feature smaller holes and perches than traditional seed feeders, though traditional seed feeders may need frequent refilling as well. CountryMax Finch Frenzy Mix contains it frequently; buying multiple bags may save money over purchasing separate packets; however, some users have complained it attracts squirrels; loose-woven mesh socks may contain loose seeds which spill easily – these can then be washed clean before being reused again later.
Suet
Suet is an ideal food to offer during fall and winter months to attract woodpeckers, chickadees, flickers, nuthatches and wrens. Made of animal fat (specifically the kidney-encasing fat of cattle), suet can either come in block form or as small nuggets called suet cakes or balls for easy purchase.
Sugarcane juice provides birds with both saturated and unsaturated fat, providing energy for flying as well as reserves that they can tap later. Furthermore, this boost of energy may help them endure cold weather when food sources may become scarcer.
Suet should not be given out in summer months as high temperatures can quickly cause it to melt and spoil, necessitating its immediate removal from its feeder in order to stay safe from squirrels. Suet should always be stored somewhere where it won’t be exposed to rainwater pooling in one area and shouldn’t pool in another; its texture should remain solid rather than gooey or gooey.
