Many discount bird seed mixes found for sale at big box stores, hardware stores and general pet and garden centres contain filler seeds such as milo (also referred to as sorghum). While these seeds do attract birds in some ways, their primary function is not.
Instead, try feeding black oil sunflower seeds which provide the necessary nutrition for most wild birds such as chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and tufted titmouse.
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Attracts Birds
With the right seed mix and feeder in place, backyard feeders can attract multiple species of birds. Black-oil sunflower seeds, nyjer thistle seeds, peanuts and millet are popular with birds; other options might include suet (dried animal fat) and dried fruit as potential additions.
When selecting a bird seed mix, look for one with an equal balance between high quality seeds such as sunflower and millet and lower quality fillers such as milo, cracked corn, wheat or oats. Birds tend to prefer more premium seeds like these over fillers which lead to wasteful eating habits in wild birds as they pick through for what they want from the mix.
Avoid mixes containing meat, stale bread, or any ingredients not suitable for wild birds. Also avoid moldy, rancid, or insect-infested seed – often you’ll find fresher and healthier bird food at your local feed store rather than home improvement, pet, or hardware stores.
Attracts Butterflies
Cheap wild bird seed mixes will likely draw in birds you do not wish to visit your feeders, and their wasteful accumulation is a sure sign that a more suitable blend should be considered.
An expert mix tailored specifically for your region will attract songbirds without drawing squirrels, black birds and grackles. Consider choosing a blend containing black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, millet and striped sunflower seeds among other seeds as ingredients in this mix.
Other varieties of seed will draw certain birds, such as safflower (The Home Depot; $14), which attracts cardinals and grosbeaks while being less popular among blackbirds, grackles and woodpeckers; flax seed (linseed) attracts nuthatches, finches and buntings while cracked corn draws pigeons and doves. Nyjer (“Thistle”) seed attracts goldfinches as it is heated to prevent germination – available from feed supply or birdwatching aisles of most stores but may cost more than purchasing per pound!
Attracts Insects
Bird feeder owners who keep indoor bird feeders often discover that the seeds they purchase have been compromised by stored food moths (Plodia interpunctella). These moths lay microscopic eggs in birdseed and other grain-related foods before their larvae hatch out and begin feeding on it – eventually taking over pantry foods and household items as well.
If your birdseed appears contaminated, look out for larvae or tubular worm-like moths with musty or moldy eggs in them; in addition, the seed itself may feel softened or have an unpleasant musty odor.
To avoid moth infestation, store bird seed outdoors in a cool location and do not purchase more than you can use within several weeks. When choosing seeds blends that include sunflower seeds – which attract the highest diversity and abundance of birds year-round – opt for high sunflower content blends like Sunbird(r) Blend. Also create gardens featuring flowers with various bloom times providing nectar for hummingbirds like Azaleas, Bee Balms or Lilacs to attract hummingbirds!
Attracts Other Wildlife
Some bird feeder owners also wish to attract squirrels and other ground-feeding wildlife, such as black bears and deer that search out acorns for sustenance. Seed blends that appeal to different animals are available; black bears and deer seek these out, while other wild animal visitors include raccoons, opossums, and field mice as potential visitors.
Sunflower seed is a favorite among cardinals, chickadees, purple finches and tufted titmice as well as other seed-eating birds such as goldfinches and dark-eyed juncos. Safflower can sometimes be included in higher-end seed blends that attract Northern Cardinals, grosbeaks, finches, Pine Siskins and Indigo Buntings; its stripes also attract chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers while its hulled counterparts attract goldfinches, tufted titmice and pine siskins respectively.
Low-priced seed mixtures typically include milo, wheat and oats that are unsuitable for most birds and will often end up on the ground where they attract less desirable scavengers and rodents.
