Bird Feed Basics
For
thousands of years, people have been feeding birds. In our hurried
lives, there are few other activities that bring us such beauty,
entertainment, and sense of closeness to nature. Feeding birds has a
strong, positive effect on the bird population. Over the past few
decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the overall number of
birds and bird varieties seen in our yards. Although birds can be fed
year-round, most bird feeding is done in winter. Insects, seed and
water are more difficult to find at these times. Deciding what to feed
birds can be a big decision, since there are so many types of feed
available. Choosing a mixture of feeds will attract a variety of birds.
Commercially available foods are seeds, fats or nuts. You can also
supplement this selection with fruits and baked goods. This information
sheet will provide you with the basics about the different types of
feeds, and what Bachman's has available. Pick up a copy of our handout Minnesota Birds, to find out what type food is the favorite of the birds that come into your yard.
Seeds for Feeding Birds
Sunflower
By
weight, sunflower seeds provide more protein than any other seed. There
are two types of sunflower seed, striped and black oil. The black oil
seed is the smallest and has the largest proportion of seed to shells.
Safflower
A
new seed to many people feeding birds, safflower is quickly becoming a
favorite. It is very high in oil and cardinals enjoy eating it. It also
does not seem to attract squirrels or sparrows.
Corn
An
inexpensive energy and heat producing food, whole or cracked corn is a
good food for keeping birds warm in winter. Cracked corn is eaten by
many birds. Whole corn is especially good for feeding large birds, such
as jays, woodpeckers, pheasants, ducks, geese and even squirrels. Ear
corn can be fed to birds or squirrels. Too much corn in a mixed seed
will attract common grackles, sparrows and other unwanted pests.
Niger Thistle
Another
seed that provides the needed protein and fat is Niger seed. Commonly
called thistle, Niger seed is fed through small slits in special
feeders. This attracts all sorts of finches and excludes a lot of
larger, more aggressive birds.
Millet
One
of the smallest seeds, millet is usually only available in mixed seed.
Many of the birds that normally eat small seed prefer white proso
millet.
Other Seeds
What
is grown or commonly available in your area will determine what
ingredients are used in seed mixes. Examples of other seeds suitable
for birds are wheat, oats, buckwheat, canary, flax, rape and rice.
Fat for Feeding Birds
Suet
Made
from rendered beef fat, suet is a reliable source of energy to keep
birds warm in the winter. Most suet is a mixture of fat and seed,
peanuts or fruit. Almost all birds like suet, but it is a special
favorite with insect eaters, such as woodpeckers and robins. Bachman's
offers a wide variety of suet cakes flavored with seed, peanuts,
raisins, fruit and insects.
Animal Fats
Birds will benefit from almost any source of fat. Try putting out bacon drippings, cheese, cottage cheese or dog food.
Feeding Nuts and Peanut Butter
Various types of nuts, such as peanuts and pecans, provide protein, fat
and minerals for birds. An affordable alternative to nuts is peanut
butter, which can be mixed with suet or birdseed for a high-protein
supplement.
Feeding Fruits and Baked Goods
Jays, grosbeaks and woodpeckers are drawn to fruits such as oranges,
apples, raisins, berries and bananas. These same birds and more will
also be drawn to whole grain bread, biscuits, muffins, cake, crackers
and cookies.
Grit for Birds
Since birds do not have teeth with which to chew their food, they need
grit. Grit, such as sand, gravel, crushed oyster shell or eggshells, is
used to grind food in their gizzards. In nature, birds pick up grit
with their food. In your backyard (especially in winter), it helps to
provide a source of this needed material.
Essential Water
The single most important thing you can provide birds during the winter
is a source of water. Birds can spend a tremendous amount of energy
just keeping warm when they have to rely on snow as their source of
water. Consider installing a heater in your birdbath or put out a
shallow dish of warm water at least once a day.
