If you have a kitchen and enjoy feeding wild birds, there is no shortage of options to choose from. The key is knowing what foods your birds will eat and not serving anything that they aren’t comfortable with.
Stale bread and other baked goods provide essential carbohydrates for wild birds. However, keep in mind that moldy bread can be toxic to these birds; if you spot mold, immediately throw it away.
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Bread
Bread can be an ideal way to provide wild birds with essential energy and nutrition in your garden, but it should not be consumed in excessive amounts.
Bread should only be offered occasionally as a special treat or supplement to an otherwise balanced diet of other bird foods like seeds, nuts and fruit.
When providing your birds with bread, it’s essential to remember that it has little nutritional value and should never be the main source of their diet. Too much bread may lead to malnutrition or worse if there aren’t other healthier options available in your vicinity.
Fruit
Many people toss food scraps away without realizing they can be a nutritious addition to bird feeders. Backyard birds who prefer generalist diets are especially likely to eat these types of foods, providing them with more varied and nutritious meals than what traditional seed would provide them.
Fruit – Windfall or bruised fruits from trees are always welcome treats for birds. They may also eat soaked and dried fruit.
Nuts – Plain, unsalted nuts are popular with many bird species such as pine grosbeaks, bluebirds, robins, woodpeckers, brown thrashers and wrens.
Cheese – When mild and low in lactose, cheese can be a tasty treat for many species of birds. Additionally, it supplies calcium which is especially helpful during egg-laying season when female birds need extra support to lay their eggs.
Nuts
Wild birds are especially drawn to nuts due to their essential fats and nutrients. Peanuts, in particular, are a favorite among blue jays and woodpeckers.
You could also try roasting nuts, as they are highly sought-after by various types of birds. Soaking nuts in water before offering them to birds will make them soft and more comfortable to bite into.
Cereals are another nutritious choice for birds. Bran flakes, corn flakes and toasted oats are popular options, as well as plain cereals with fruits and nuts added.
Birds don’t necessarily need to be fed all year round, but it can help during temperature extremes or when natural seed sources become depleted in winter or early spring. Fruits, berries and other nutrient-rich food items can be especially beneficial during these times.
Vegetables
If you enjoy feeding wild birds from your bird feeder but can’t stomach buying them more seeds or suet, food scraps are a great alternative. Not only will this save money for you, but it will also make the feeder more appealing to birds and less likely to attract unwanted creatures such as raccoons, opossums, bears, and rats.
Stale bread, cakes and cookies make great backyard bird treats! Simply crumble them into small pieces and soak in water before placing them outdoors.
Seeds
Seed mixes are the most essential food for wild birds. Make sure you select only top-notch seed blends when providing them with food.
Cheaper mixes, especially those sold at major home improvement or pet stores, often contain fillers that wild birds won’t eat. Examples include milo, cracked corn, wheat, oats and other grains that won’t attract the desired birds.
Grains are ideal for diet generalists and birds that visit feeders regularly. In wintertime, when there is no natural food supply, grains provide essential protein, fat and carbohydrates.
