Backyard Bird Feeder Favorites
Top Seeds for Springtime Visitors
Spring is a bustling season for backyard birding, as migratory visitors and year-round residents alike seek out reliable food sources to fuel their activity. Selecting the right seeds for your feeders can turn your yard into a hotspot for feathered friends. By incorporating wild bird products tailored to their needs, you can ensure they keep coming back for more!
The Essential Seeds for Springtime Birds
-
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds These seeds are a universal favorite among many species, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches. Their high oil content provides essential energy for birds during the demanding spring season. Pair these seeds with a hopper feeder or a tube feeder for easy access.
-
Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds Perfect for attracting finches and other small songbirds, nyjer seeds are nutrient-rich and ideal for spring visitors. Use a specialized mesh feeder to keep them contained and accessible.
-
Safflower Seeds A great option for deterring squirrels while inviting cardinals and grosbeaks. These seeds work well in most feeders but are especially effective in a platform feeder.
-
Cracked Corn Suited for ground-feeding birds like mourning doves, sparrows, and juncos. Scatter cracked corn in a ground tray feeder to cater to these species.
-
Mixed Seed Blends Offering a variety of seeds ensures you're meeting the needs of diverse bird species. Look for blends containing millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. Pair them with a versatile feeder station for maximum impact.
-
Peanuts High in protein and loved by jays and woodpeckers, peanuts can be presented in a peanut feeder or suet cage. Make sure they’re unsalted and shelled for bird safety.
Complementary Wild Bird Products
To enhance the birding experience in your backyard, consider these additions:
-
Feeder Cleaning Kits: Keep feeders clean to prevent disease and mold.
-
Squirrel Baffles: Protect your feeders from unwelcome visitors.
-
Bird Baths: Fresh water complements seed offerings and attracts a greater variety of birds.
Creating the Ideal Backyard Buffet
Spring is a critical time for birds as they search for energy-packed food sources to fuel their migration, nesting, and courtship efforts. By choosing a mix of seeds and feeders, you’re providing essential support while creating opportunities to observe them up close.
With the right wild bird products, your backyard can transform into a lively haven for springtime visitors. Watching the colorful activity of birds as they feed and interact is a joy like no other—and knowing you’re contributing to their well-being makes it even better.