Assembling a mixture of nuts, seeds and fruits will attract numerous species of birds.
Black oil sunflower seeds (“oilers”) feature thin shells that make them easy for all birds to break open, including goldfinches, siskins and tufted tits.
This mixture includes both black oil and striped sunflower seeds, peanuts, cranberries, Bark Butter bits shelled peanuts, and corn – all without peanuts! All products processed in our facility guarantee no peanut contamination.
Contents
Seed
Bird enthusiasts may choose to provide various foodstuffs that attract different species, such as black oil sunflower seeds or even more specific blends such as nut medley. A common choice is offering basic wild bird seed mixes like these as an attraction strategy.
These high-energy mixes may include peanuts, millet, oats and other grains as well as black oil sunflower seeds and canary seed for maximum energy delivery. A variety of sizes is available to fit different feeders.
Bird-attracting seeds and nuts also include shelled sunflower seeds, which are favored by goldfinches and siskins, while cracked corn, milo or wheat seed are favored by house sparrows, cowbirds and nuthatches.
Kitchen scraps like stale bread, fruit past their prime and nut pieces make great snacks for wild birds. Just be wary about offering anything spoiled or moldy as this may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that could pose a health risk to themselves as well as to you and the birds!
Nuts
Nuts play an integral role in the diets of many birds. Nuts provide both energy-rich oils as well as protein and fiber, with some species using the hollow cavities in nuts to build nests.
Recent clinical studies have linked eating nuts with reduced risks of cancer. Walnuts in particular have been found to contain numerous phenolic compounds and tocopherols which reduce oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, polyunsaturated fat content found in walnuts acts as protection against prostate cancer.
Nut Medleys are typically comprised of various varieties of nuts such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds and are an ideal way to attract different types of wild birds. When purchasing one though beware of some manufacturers adding cheap fillers such as milo (or sorghum). Milo does not attract birds and should simply be considered filler to reduce costs – avoid placing feeders with milo as most wild birds will simply kick it to the ground where it rots away quickly.
Fruit
Nuts and berries provide wild birds with ample energy, providing much-needed sustenance during fall and winter to store up energy reserves before their energy reserves run dry in springtime. Birds consume these delicious morsels with gusto in order to store up energy reserves for use during the lean times ahead.
Create an inviting feeder by offering a combination of nuts (walnuts, pecans etc) and sunflower seeds to attract woodpeckers, jays and chickadees. Crushed or grated peanuts may also attract birds; just be wary that squirrels love eating these so it may be wiser to choose an equally squirrel-proof feeder!
Avoid seed mixes containing milo (also called sorghum) or canary seed, as these ingredients are frequently used as fillers to lower the cost of bird food mixes and attract undesirable birds such as house sparrows and cowbirds. Instead, look for premium mixes featuring black oil sunflower seeds, red millet, striped sunflower seeds, nyjer thistle seed pods and safflower seeds – this will provide more variety!
Vegetables
An array of nut and berry producing plants will offer long-term energy. Plants with various maturation, ripening and harvest times will ensure a consistent supply for winter feeding of wild birds.
Peanuts in their shell and mixed peanuts with other seeds can be offered on platform feeders or directly on the ground, providing high-energy foods beloved by woodpeckers, jays and chickadees alike. A squirrel-proof feeder should also be provided.
Milo is a favorite among Western ground-feeding birds such as Steller’s jays and Curve-billed thrashers, making it an easy feeder option to offer on low tray or platform feeders. Milo may be offered alone or mixed seedseed mixtures; just make sure not to attract cowbirds and House Sparrows too much with your offering!
Avoid seed mixtures containing split peas, beans or dried rice because only large species can eat these dry seeds; additionally they serve as breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus that could contaminate fresh seeds quickly.
