Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Tips to protecting and feeding birds as winter approaches
Last week I talked about bird feeders and squirrels. Today 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.
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 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.
The big birds such as Starlings and Blue Jays mostly stay away from safflower. That’s a good thing because they are greedy with seed and will gorge themselves if given a chance.
Safflower seed is, however, a popular choice for cardinals, chickadees and downy woodpeckers.
Suet is another great food for blue jays, woodpeckers, purple finches and nuthatches.
You’ve cleaned out your bird feeders and you’re ready for to enjoy watching those birds come in for sustenance. Get ready to clean off any snow and get rid of any moldy seeds.