Feeding Birds in Winter by Bill Haller of the North Country Bird Club

The best options for feeding birds in a particular location depend on both the season and the habitat. These determine which bird species are most likely to be in the area and, therefore, which foods would be most effective in attracting them.

However, three foods are appropriate in nearly every situation:

• Black-oil sunflower seed is a favorite of nearly all birds; if you offer only one food, this should be the one. (Note that striped sunflower seed has less nutritional value and is more difficult for smaller birds to open.) 
• Nyjer (thistle) seed attracts a variety of Finch species; a special feeder is required, since nyjer seeds are very tiny. 
• Suet attracts Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, and Chickadees. 
• Other foods which often bring birds to feeders include safflower seed (a favorite of Northern Cardinals), cracked and whole corn, and whole peanuts. Use only unsalted peanuts. Do not use peanuts in the shell if you value your lawn. Squirrels like to bury them, and then dig them up later.
  

Making Homemade Treats and Seed Blends
It is easy to make homemade treats by adding seeds, peanut bits, and raisins to peanut butter (a favorite of a great variety of birds) or to melted suet. While commercial seed blends can be effective, less expensive blends often have substantial filler that birds don’t eat. You get what you pay for.

Make your own seed blend using black-oil sunflower seeds along with some combination of safflower seeds, white millet, cracked corn, and peanut hearts. This results in a blend with no filler.

These are general suggestions meant to provide a starting point for feeding birds. Give them a try, and go with what works best for your location.
 
Interested in Birding? The North Country Bird Club welcomes new members. Information concerning local sightings, field trips, and an informational Newsletter are provided with your NCBC membership. Visit NORTH COUNTRY BIRD CLUB on Facebook for more information or email [email protected]