Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Protecting and feeding birds
Last week I talked about bird feeders and squirrels. Today’s it’s about WHAT to feed those birds as winter comes roaring in… at some point.
To offset the white of winter, or the bleak brown, it’s the BIRDS that help us through. And this is OUR time to help THEM through with plenty of nutrition! Contrary to what I’ve heard some people say, feeding the birds in winter is a good idea. Birds will hunt when they need to but if we can provide them with sustenance, they’ll survive better.
For your enjoyment, make sure you locate the bird feeders where you can see them keeping in mind that birds want to feel safe. So an area that will provide quick cover should they need it will keep the birds coming back.
For ground feeders, put down seed in more open areas so predators don’t have cover. The hands down favorite seed for attracting the most variety of birds are Black Sunflower seeds, they’re more oily, easier to crack and just happen to be cheaper than the black and white variety.
Nyjer Thistle is more expensive but the goldfinches love it!
Another favorite is Safflower seed.
One reason I like it is that squirrels DON’T, well not so much anyway. Neither do Starlings or Blue Jays, who will gorge themselves. Safflower seed is a popular choice for cardinals, chickadees and downy woodpeckers.
Suet is another great food for blue jays, woodpeckers, purple finches and nuthatches.
Clean out your bird feeders NOW and be ready to clean them out should the snow fly and they aren’t covered. Always get rid of any moldy seeds. And for the best, locally sourced birdfeed/seed, check out Meadow Ridge Farms and Croixdale brands, they have a LOT of choices.