Feeding wild birds has become an enjoyable backyard pastime, yet not all bird seed mixtures are created equal. A balanced mix will attract more of Georgia’s 25 species – such as cardinals, tufted titmice and goldfinches. Be wary of mixes containing high concentrations of sorghum as it may not be preferred by seed eaters.
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Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are an indispensable addition to most bird feeders for good reason: sunflower seeds are among the most widely-beloved types of wild birdseed and preferred by numerous species of wildlife. Thanks to their high oil content and nutritional benefits, sunflower seeds provide ample calories for birds.
Black oil sunflower seed is best for most songbirds, while striped or hulled varieties are suitable for larger birds with thicker beaks. Hulled sunflower seeds also make great treats for smaller seed eaters as they’re easier to crack open and consume.
No matter which variety of sunflower seed you select, look for ones that are firm and plump to attract birds. Avoid seeds that are wet, shriveled or moldy as these could present health hazards to birds you wish to attract. Furthermore, look for consistent coloring. Along with proteins and fats, sunflower seeds provide essential nutrients like vitamin E, B1, B6, folate, magnesium copper selenium phosphorous. Moreover they can serve as an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
White Proso Millet
White proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) is a common choice when filling wild bird feeders. A quick-maturing annual grain that offers protein, carbohydrates and minerals for finches, sparrows and juncos alike to enjoy as their meal. White proso millet may be offered alone or mixed with other seeds to provide an entire nutritional diet to birds.
Milo seed mixes are designed to attract ground-feeding birds such as sparrows and juncos; however, other species such as quail and cardinals may also benefit from feeding on milo alone. When serving this seed alone to birds it should only be scattered as needed; low tray or platform feeders with excellent drainage systems should be used.
Milo is often included in backyard bird seed mixes because it is affordable and easy to grow, yet research by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology indicates that birds prefer other seeds over milo.
Sorghum
Sorghum is a versatile grain that can be used in various ways, from making beer to substituting for wheat flour in gluten free baking and even being turned into popcorn! Not to mention it contains lots of beneficial antioxidants and dietary fiber for healthful living!
Sorghum can be grown in various varieties and colors: whole grain, pearled grain, red, orange, tan and black. Whole grain sorghum retains all three layers – bran, germ and endosperm – for easy use in soups, side dishes or salads; pearled grain varieties have had both parts stripped away to allow easy preparation as a pilaf or other grain dish.
Sorghum seed can be an ideal filler seed in bird seed mixtures, alongside milo and cracked corn, preferred by certain bird species like crows, purple finches, goldfinches and pine siskins. Furthermore, it may help those experiencing difficulties with squirrels at their feeders since its less likely to attract these nuisance birds than millet or sunflower seeds.
Peanuts
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are legumes closely related to beans, lentils, and soy that are an important food crop in tropical and warmer temperate regions worldwide. Peanuts provide both oil and protein sources.
Peanut products such as flour, peanut butter and oil have many uses in cooking, baking, confectionery and snacking applications. Peanuts also provide an efficient source of energy thanks to their abundance of dietary fiber and mono- and polyunsaturated fats which have long been touted as heart-healthy components of diets; eating a diet rich in these nutrients is likely to lower cholesterol levels significantly.
Peanut farming began in America after African slaves brought the crop with them from Africa during the 1700’s. George Washington Carver promoted their cultivation and use in the early 1900’s by developing labor-saving planting equipment and encouraging other farmers to plant them. Today, peanuts can be found being planted across a variety of climates and soil types.
