Many homeowners struggle to dispose of piles of used bird seed beneath their feeders. These piles typically consist of reddish brown milo or sorghum grains sized BB.
Quality seed can attract more of the birds you want to see while also helping to reduce waste beneath your feeders. Selecting an optimal mix is particularly crucial during migration or molting season.
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Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Black oil sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) provide birds with an energy source high in fat and protein, and have thinner shells, making it easier for birds to crack open than their striped counterparts.
These seeds attract northern cardinals, tufted titmice, black-billed magpies and yellow finches; as well as pine siskins and house sparrows.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed can be offered in hopper, platform and tray feeders; ground-feeding birds may also feed from it directly. Store the seeds in a rodent-proof container to preserve freshness and appeal for feathered friends. It’s best to offer black Oil Sunflower Seed in conjunction with other forms of wild bird feed to reduce overeating of fat that could result in sudden mortality among your feathered friends.
Nyjer Thistle Seed
Nyjer seed refers to the tiny black seeds produced by African Yellow Daisy plants (Guizotia abyssinica). Although often mistakenly identified as thistle seeds, these two are not closely related species.
Thistle seeds come from an unsightly weed, while nyjer seeds come from a vibrant native flower. First introduced as bird food in North America during the 1960s, goldfinches in particular love them for its high oil content and can often be seen devouring these tasty morsels!
For maximum effectiveness when it comes to your nyjer bird seed, store it in a cool and dry location. Avoid excess moisture, heat and sunlight as these conditions can cause it to spoil or develop mold, as well as regularly replacing old seed as it loses nutritional value over time.
Canary Grass Seed
Canary seed, commonly referred to as alpiste, is a high protein bird food popular with finches, juncos, cowbirds and quail. While often mixed with cheaper seeds such as rapeseed for cost purposes, quality batches have an appealing shiny brown hue.
Alpiste also offers health benefits. It contains lipase, an enzyme that helps the body remove harmful fatty deposits from veins and arteries. Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of lignans – antioxidants which offer protection from blood pressure, cholesterol levels and constipation issues.
Due to its ability to adapt well to wetland environments, reed canary grass is an ideal candidate for wetland restoration projects. It can help stabilize soil, filter water more effectively and control erosion, while its resilience and versatility also make it a suitable source of forage crop for grazing animals.
Rapeseed
Rapeseed oil (commonly referred to as canola oil) offers less unhealthy saturated fat than most cooking oils and more beneficial MUFAs and PUFAs than many of its competitors. Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of vitamin E which supports healthy skin and eyes.
Rape seeds are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and linoleic acid, both of which can be converted to long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that help lower cholesterol. Furthermore, they contain high amounts of soluble fiber as well as phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, phytosterols and flavonoids for additional heart-health benefits.
Heavy processing has the potential to deplete many vitamins and nutrients from rapeseed oil, so be sure to choose only unrefined and cold-pressed varieties like Ulli’s. Their artisanal stamp-pressed rapeseed oil is locally sourced from Hudson Valley farmers using small-batch production techniques for maximum nutrition.
Canary Seed
Canary seed offers an ideal gluten and lactose-free alternative for those unable to consume wheat and other grains, as its fiber helps regulate bowel movements while decreasing inflammation and bloating. Furthermore, its high protein content keeps us feeling full for longer, helping prevent food cravings and caloric intake. Furthermore, canary seed also contains lipase enzyme, which cleanses away excess lipid from our systems.
Canary Seed, in its de-hulled glabrous variety, is safe for human consumption and can be eaten directly or used to make canary seed milk. Additionally, canary seeds can also be added to baked goods, flours and mixes used in bagels, breads, rolls and cookies; breakfast cereals doughnuts pancakes granola bars pasta as well as energy replacement drinks or fortified flours for greater nutrition.
