Best Foods for Backyard Birds: Top Tips & Ideas

Are you wondering what you should feed backyard birds? Feeding your feathered friends the right food is crucial for attracting a wide variety of species to your yard. To make your efforts successful, we have compiled some valuable tips and ideas for feeding backyard birds.

When it comes to bird food for backyard birds, one size does not fit all. Different bird species have varying preferences and feeding habits. By offering a diverse range of seeds, fruits, and even nectar, you can create an inviting environment that appeals to a wide array of bird species.

Providing a variety of food options is key to attracting a diverse avian population. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, our guide will show you the best practices for maintaining a healthy and thriving bird-friendly backyard.

Locating Bird Feeders at Different Levels

Sparrows, juncos, and towhees prefer feeding on the ground, while finches and cardinals feed in shrubs, and chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers feed in trees. To attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard, it’s important to provide feeding options at different levels.

For ground-feeding birds like sparrows, juncos, and towhees, consider placing table-like feeders directly on the ground. This will allow them to easily access the food and feel safe while feeding.

For finches and cardinals that prefer feeding in shrubs, opt for hopper or tube feeders that can be hung from tree branches or attached to shrubs. These feeders provide a stable perch for birds to feed comfortably.

Chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers, on the other hand, are known to feed in trees. To attract these species, hang bird feeders from tree branches or use specialized treetop feeders. This will mimic their natural feeding behavior and make them feel at home in your backyard.

Lastly, consider adding suet feeders to attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Suet feeders can be hung from tree trunks or placed on dedicated suet feeder poles. These feeders provide a high-energy food source that is especially beneficial during colder months when insects are scarce.

By providing bird feeders at different levels, you can create a diverse and welcoming feeding environment that appeals to a wide variety of bird species.

Keep in mind that the placement of the feeders should be done strategically to ensure the safety of the birds. Avoid placing them near windows or areas with high predator activity.

Attract a diverse range of bird species by providing feeders at different levels.

Offering a Variety of Seeds in Separate Feeders

Different bird species have preferences for specific seeds. To cater to a variety of birds, provide separate feeders with black oil sunflower seed (appeals to many birds), nyjer (thistle) seeds, and peanuts. Blends with sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn are also popular. Other options include peanuts, nuts, dried fruit, milo, wheat, and oats.

Seed Type	Preferred Birds
Black Oil Sunflower Seed	Cardinals, chickadees, finches, jays, nuthatches, sparrows, woodpeckers, and many other species
Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds	Goldfinches, siskins, redpolls, and other small-beaked finches
Peanuts	Jays, woodpeckers, titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches
Blends with Sunflower Seeds, Millet, and Cracked Corn	A wide variety of birds including cardinals, finches, sparrows, and jays
Other Options	Peanuts, nuts, dried fruit, milo, wheat, and oats

Providing these specific foods will ensure that you attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard. It’s important to note that some birds may have individual preferences, so offering a variety of options increases the chances of attracting a wider array of feathered visitors.

Providing Suet during Cool Weather Only

Suet is a nutritious food that attracts a variety of insect-eating birds, including woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. It provides essential energy and nutrients, making it an excellent option for backyard bird feeding.

To offer suet to your feathered visitors, consider using special suet feeders or net onion bags. These feeders should be placed at least five feet off the ground to keep them away from predators like squirrels and cats.

However, it’s important to note that suet should only be provided during cool weather. Suet can quickly turn rancid and melt during hot temperatures, making it unhealthy for birds to consume. Additionally, dripping fat from suet can damage the natural waterproofing of bird feathers.

For a healthy and safe feeding experience, reserve suet feeders for cooler seasons when it can provide birds with the energy they need to withstand colder temperatures.

Mixing Peanut Butter and Corn Meal

Peanut butter can be a suitable substitute for suet in the summer. Mix one part peanut butter with five parts corn meal and stuff the mixture into holes drilled in a hanging log or crevices of a large pinecone. This all-season mixture attracts woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasionally warblers.

How to Prepare the Peanut Butter Mix:

Ingredients	Measurements
Peanut butter	1 part
Corn meal	5 parts

Simply mix one part peanut butter with five parts corn meal to create the perfect blend for attracting a variety of bird species. The corn meal provides texture and helps bind the mixture together, while the peanut butter adds a rich source of calories, protein, and nutrients that birds need.

Tip: For a creamier consistency, you can also add a small amount of vegetable oil to the mixture.

Once you have the peanut butter mix ready, it’s time to find a suitable container to attract the birds. Consider using a hanging log with pre-drilled holes or a large pinecone with crevices to hold the mixture securely.

Place the prepared mix in the holes of the log or the crevices of the pinecone, ensuring it is packed tightly to prevent it from falling out easily. Hang the log or pinecone in an easily accessible spot, such as from a tree branch or a feeder station, where birds can easily land and feed on the delicious treat.

Not only will the peanut butter mix attract woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasionally warblers, but it will also provide them with the necessary energy and nutrients they need, especially during the summer when suet may not be as suitable. Enjoy watching these beautiful birds as they visit your backyard to indulge in this homemade delight!

Offering Fruit for Berry-Eating Birds

Fruit specialists like robins, waxwings, bluebirds, and mockingbirds rarely eat birdseed. To attract these specific bird species to your backyard, consider offering them fruit as part of their diet.

“Fruit specialists like robins, waxwings, bluebirds, and mockingbirds rarely eat birdseed.”

Soak raisins and currants in water overnight to make them more appealing and easier for birds to consume. Place the soaked fruit on a table feeder or purchase blends with dried fruit from bird supply stores. The vibrant colors and natural sweetness of the fruit will attract these berry-eating birds to your yard.

“Soak raisins and currants in water overnight and place them on a table feeder or purchase blends with dried fruit.”

To attract orioles and tanagers, you can also skewer halved oranges onto a spike near other feeders or use nectar feeders that are specifically designed for these birds. The bright oranges will catch their attention and provide them with a refreshing treat.

“To attract orioles and tanagers, skewer halved oranges onto a spike near other feeders or use nectar feeders.”

By offering fruit to these berry-eating birds, you create a diverse and well-rounded menu that caters to their specific dietary preferences. Enjoy the sight of colorful birds indulging in nature’s sweet offerings.

Providing Nectar for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are a delightful addition to any bird garden, and providing them with nectar is a surefire way to attract these tiny, vibrant creatures. Creating a simple sugar solution will not only provide essential energy for hummingbirds but also enhance the beauty of your backyard.

To make nectar for hummingbirds, combine one part white sugar with four parts water. Boil the mixture briefly to sterilize it and dissolve the sugar crystals. It’s important to note that artificial food coloring, including red dye, is unnecessary and potentially harmful to hummingbirds. Stick to the natural beauty of the nectar itself.

Cleanliness is key when it comes to nectar feeders. Mold can develop quickly in warm weather, potentially harming hummingbirds. To prevent mold growth, clean the feeders thoroughly every few days using hot water. Keeping the feeders clean will ensure the health and safety of these delicate creatures.

By offering nectar, you are creating a haven for hummingbirds in your bird garden. These tiny birds will reward you with their aerial acrobatics and mesmerizing beauty.

Storage, Squirrel Prevention, and Window Collision Avoidance

When it comes to attracting backyard birds, choosing the right feeder and keeping it clean and safe are crucial. Additionally, understanding seasonal variations in food availability can help ensure a steady stream of feathered visitors to your yard. Let’s explore some tips and ideas for optimal feeder management and bird safety.

Storing Birdseed

To protect birdseed from squirrels and dampness, it’s important to store it in secure metal containers. Squirrels are notorious for pilfering seed from feeders, so keeping the extra supply well-guarded will prevent disappointment when refilling your feeders. Storing seed in metal containers also prevents moisture from spoiling the seed, ensuring it stays fresh for longer.

Keeping Feeders Clean

Regular cleaning of your bird feeders is not only important for the health and well-being of the birds but also to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your feeding area. Use warm soapy water and a brush to clean feeders, ensuring all grime and debris are thoroughly removed. Rake up any spilled grain or hulls from the ground to keep the feeding area tidy.

Preventing Window Collisions

Placing feeders near windows can lead to bird-window collisions, as birds may perceive the reflection as a continuation of their habitat. To mitigate this risk, consider adding deterrents like streamers or decals to the windows. These visual aids help birds recognize the presence of a barrier and avoid collisions. Alternatively, you can place feeders further away from windows to minimize the chances of collisions.

Discouraging Squirrels

Squirrels can be quite persistent when it comes to stealing birdseed. To deter them and keep the focus on the birds, consider using squirrel-proof feeders. These feeders are designed with mechanisms that prevent squirrels from accessing the seed. Additionally, placing the squirrel-proof feeders away from the bird feeders can help ensure that the birds have uninterrupted access to their food.

Bird Feeder Comparison

Feeder Type	Features	Advantages
Hopper Feeder	Airtight container with multiple feeding ports	Keeps seed dry, accommodates various bird sizes
Tube Feeder	Cylindrical container with small feeding ports	Great for small birds, discourages squirrels
Platform Feeder	Open tray or table-like structure	Accommodates ground-feeding birds, easy to clean
Suet Feeder	Wire cage or holder for suet cakes	Attracts woodpeckers and insect-eating birds

By following these tips, you can create an inviting and safe environment for backyard birds. Choosing the right feeder, keeping feeders clean and well-stocked, and implementing squirrel prevention methods can help attract a diverse array of bird species to your yard. Not only will you enjoy the beauty of these feathered visitors, but you will also contribute to their well-being and conservation efforts. Happy birdwatching!

Conclusion

Feeding wild birds in your backyard is not only a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby but also a meaningful way to contribute to bird conservation. By providing a variety of nutritious foods, using the right feeders, and creating a safe feeding environment, you can attract a diverse range of feathered visitors to your yard, enhancing your birdwatching experience.

Engaging in this family-friendly activity not only allows you to admire the beauty of wild birds up close but also fosters a deeper connection with nature within yourself and your loved ones. The tranquility of observing birds in their natural habitat can provide a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.

Remember, every small effort counts towards the conservation of these magnificent creatures. By supporting their dietary needs throughout the year, you are playing a crucial role in their well-being and overall survival. So, grab your binoculars, invite your family, and embark on this exciting journey of creating a bird-friendly backyard!

FAQ

What should I feed backyard birds?

Providing a variety of seeds such as black oil sunflower seed, nyjer seeds, and peanuts, as well as blends with millet and cracked corn, can attract a wide range of backyard bird species.

Where should I locate bird feeders in my backyard?

To cater to different feeding preferences, place table-like feeders for ground-feeding birds, hopper or tube feeders for shrub and treetop feeders, and suet feeders for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.

What are some specific foods that attract backyard birds?

In addition to seeds, you can offer suet for insect-eating birds, a peanut butter and corn meal mix as a suet substitute, and fruit for birds that specialize in eating berries.

When should I provide suet to backyard birds?

Suet should be offered during cool weather only to prevent damage to bird feathers’ natural waterproofing.

How do I mix peanut butter and corn meal for bird feeding?

Mix one part peanut butter with five parts corn meal and stuff the mixture into holes drilled in a hanging log or crevices of a large pinecone to attract woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasionally warblers.

How can I attract berry-eating birds with fruit?

Soak raisins and currants in water overnight and place them on a table feeder or purchase blends with dried fruit. To attract orioles and tanagers, skewer halved oranges onto a spike near other feeders or use nectar feeders.

How do I provide nectar for hummingbirds?

Create a sugar solution of one part white sugar to four parts water. Boil briefly to sterilize and dissolve sugar crystals. Avoid using red food coloring. Clean feeders every few days with hot water to prevent mold growth.

How can I prevent squirrel access to bird feeders and reduce window collisions?

Store birdseed in secure metal containers to protect it from squirrels and dampness. Keep feeders clean, rake up spilled grain and hulls, place feeders near windows or use deterrents like streamers or decals, and use squirrel-proof feeders placed away from bird feeders.

Why is feeding backyard birds beneficial?

Feeding backyard birds is a rewarding and educational activity that allows you to appreciate wildlife and contribute to their conservation. It is also a fun family activity and a great way to engage with nature.

Source Links

• https://www.audubon.org/news/11-tips-feeding-backyard-birds
• https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/feeding-birds-your-backyard
• https://blog.nwf.org/2011/05/a-beginners-guide-to-backyard-bird-feeding/